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LETTER: Put your phone away and pay attention when driving

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Greetings, drivers of St. Albert. I moved to your fair city a little more than a year ago hoping to find a reprieve from some of the issues that were all too common in the bustling metropolis that I once called home. Thankfully, my wishes have mostly been fulfilled.

Unfortunately, there is still one glaring deficit that requires everyone’s attention. Before I continue, I would like to point out that a medical issue has kept me from driving for most of my life. Consequently, I tend to walk to my destinations. To my surprise, I have encountered a stunning number of drivers who are casually looking down at their phones as they roll up to an intersection, just as I am attempting to cross the street. Let me be perfectly clear; you are utterly and totally in the wrong when you do this. You are not special. You are not more skilled as a driver. You are not better than anyone else. Grow up. The laws that govern this behaviour are not arbitrary and they apply to you. Yes, you. Put your phone away, and pay attention.

Some folks don’t have the advantage of a protective shell as they move about, and even if they do, they’re not invincible. I speak from personal experience when I say that it is nearly impossible to erase the images of gore and devastation that come with fatal motor vehicle incidents. If ever you find yourself at fault in such a situation, know that no amount of apologizing will ever erase the wrong that you have done, nor will it ease the immutable sense of remorse that will haunt your sleep for the rest of your life. The fact that the scenario could have been easily and entirely avoided will only add to your regret and shame.

I will say it again – put down the phone and keep your eyes on the road. My life is more important than the frivolous text that you needed to fire off in the moment that you and I crossed paths. Be responsible, because as vigilant and as careful as I may be, I cannot completely protect myself from your stupidity when you’re behind the wheel of a machine that dwarfs me by more than a thousand pounds.

Nicholas Ouellette, St. Albert

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