A Return to Dodge City

I have been increasingly concerned and sometimes outraged over the number of people who believe that we live in a modern day Dodge City and that it's alright to just whip out your .38 and exact citizens' justice like Sheriff Matt Dillon. Earlier this week, a young man was killed here in Norfolk over a fender-bender in a parking garage. We all need to get a grip! Someone scratching your car or crashing into your car is not worth dying over. I know that we are all stressed out over the economy, the loss of jobs, the crashing stock market, 401(k) losses, retirement, and the astronomical rise in the costs of health care. Driving a car can be dangerous and many people use their cars as weapons on the road. I have been driving a long time and offer this advice to young and old alike:

• Take it easy on the highway.
• Speed limits are not a suggestion; adhere to them.
• Never drive when you're angry and for God's sake don't drive when you have been drinking.
• Leave on time. Trying to make up time on the road because you're late will only get you or someone else killed.
• If you need glasses, wear them.
• If you have been driving for more than 50 years, take a drivers' education refresher course.
• Use mass transit where feasible.
• And, leave your weapons at home!