By LEONARD GRAY

I would like to suggest a little reader poll. From time to time, I write about bad drivers and horrible driving habits, some of which I’m guilty of, from time to time. Most of the time, however, I’m horrified by some practices that I see in my daily commute and also as I drive around in the River Parishes.

Just the other day, I’m driving along River Road, between Luling and Ama. In my rear view mirror, two cars are following me at a safe, reasonable distance. Suddenly, another car pops out into the oncoming lane and passes three vehicles, including my pickup, all at once.

This sort of thing never fails to stun me.

Another thing which thoroughly gripes me is when I’m in a line of vehicles waiting for the traffic light to turn green. On my right is the shoulder of the road – not a turn lane, but the shoulder.

Then a line of vehicles decides to drive on the shoulder to scoot around and turn right, too impatient to wait 30 seconds. This is famous at the intersection of Main Street and Airline Highway in LaPlace, coming from my office.

One time, in eight years, I saw a state trooper sitting in the adjoining parking lot and yanking these offensive drivers over for the appropriate ticket. However, what really gets me is the attitude, the egotism, the selfishness of these drivers. And then they stare at ME like I did something wrong by not doing the same thing.

It reflects upon a basic disrespect for the law, I feel, and this sort of attitude needs to be addressed. Not to current drivers, who are already beyond hope, but to children taking driver’s education. They need to learn respect for other drivers, respect for the law and not to break the law, just because a deputy isn’t around to catch them.

So, back to the point of this column.

Drop a letter to me or make a phone call and tell me either your biggest driving gripe or your excuse for doing the bad driving you do. Come on, nobody’s perfect. I’m truly trying to understand. I’m personally bad for talking on my cell phone while driving, but I KNOW I’m doing wrong and I’m trying to behave. Really.

There must be some sort of solution to the truly wretched drivers out there.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur. He may be reached at (985) 652-9545.