The traffic notice was simple, direct, and to the point. At 8.25 am, at a specific place and time, a double white line had been crossed. All indications pointed to me. It was a time of day and motorcycle that I would likely be riding into town. Yet, something was at odds with my memory.
I could not remember crossing double white lines. It did occur to me that not remembering could be reflective of my carelessness in riding. I went to my outlook calendar to see if there was an appointment that morning that would indicate my whereabouts. There was! Ironically, at the time of the double white line crossing I was under the influence of anesthesia as a Doctor worked on my wrist.
What has stayed with me since that letter is an acute awareness of the risks of crossing double white lines, in money and points as well as the premise of traffic safety. My habits, both attention to details and adherence to the law, have improved. In an unexpected, unintended consequence of being accused of something I did not do, I became aware and reached for a better way of riding.
As I watch others crossing double white lines I wonder. Is it that they are not aware? Do they understand the risk they are taking, the money and points and more importantly the potential impact on other drivers?
I realize that the accusations within my mind are, when compared to my past, hypocritical. If those I accuse are anything like me, they behavior is ignorant carelessness. As much as I want to “inform” them of their ways, two recurring thoughts.
Would I listen to someone shouting or gesturing about this issue?
Do I celebrate when people follow the law?
The answer to the first question changes if there is trust.
The answer to the second question changes as I see others as part of my family. The psalmist reminds me; “Hallelujah! Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God, who cherish and relish his commandments.” (Psalm 112.01)
Disciplined living has its benefits.
