Thursday, March 30, 2006
People make the community they live in
For a long time I have written about the importance of being a good neighbor and understanding that how you drive in your neighborhood has a huge contribution to the safety of your neighborhood and the quality of life.
A Fox Den resident expresses this better than I can. I hope you will think about how good a neighbor you are when you drive through your neighborhood.
From the Farragut Press:
letter to the editor
- Thu, Mar, 30, 2006
Picture this – it’s a sunny day and you take your dogs out for a walk in your neighborhood. Most cars when they see you, slow down, move away from you and wave as they go by. Not today however. A van is coming in front of you – they don’t appear to be slowing down or making a move away from you. You get scared, grab the dog leashes and move as close to the curb as possible. Scared, you yell out “slow down!” The van just keeps going and you continue your walk.
A few minutes later, a van slows down and stops. The woman driving the van yells out: “I was going the speed limit.” You are amazed that someone would actually drive back through the neighborhood and confront someone for yelling slow down.
Now, picture this — you are in a wheelchair. Yes, that’s right. I suffer from multiple sclerosis and take my dogs out using a jogging leash. I have never, never had someone be so “rude” and inconsiderate as this woman was. I can only hope and pray that she never has to use a wheelchair to get around.
In closing, even if you are driving the speed limit, when you see someone walking with children or dogs, slow down so that neither the dogs or the children get scared. Try to visualize how a van looks to a little child or to a dog.
Remember, driving the speed limit is one thing everyone should do. But use common sense when you are in a neighborhood. Going 25 mph does not actually give you enough time to react to a child or a family pet from darting out into the street. Better to drive slowly in a neighborhood and keep everyone safe.
Thank you,
Barbara Wyman
Fox Den
A Fox Den resident expresses this better than I can. I hope you will think about how good a neighbor you are when you drive through your neighborhood.
From the Farragut Press:
letter to the editor
- Thu, Mar, 30, 2006
Picture this – it’s a sunny day and you take your dogs out for a walk in your neighborhood. Most cars when they see you, slow down, move away from you and wave as they go by. Not today however. A van is coming in front of you – they don’t appear to be slowing down or making a move away from you. You get scared, grab the dog leashes and move as close to the curb as possible. Scared, you yell out “slow down!” The van just keeps going and you continue your walk.
A few minutes later, a van slows down and stops. The woman driving the van yells out: “I was going the speed limit.” You are amazed that someone would actually drive back through the neighborhood and confront someone for yelling slow down.
Now, picture this — you are in a wheelchair. Yes, that’s right. I suffer from multiple sclerosis and take my dogs out using a jogging leash. I have never, never had someone be so “rude” and inconsiderate as this woman was. I can only hope and pray that she never has to use a wheelchair to get around.
In closing, even if you are driving the speed limit, when you see someone walking with children or dogs, slow down so that neither the dogs or the children get scared. Try to visualize how a van looks to a little child or to a dog.
Remember, driving the speed limit is one thing everyone should do. But use common sense when you are in a neighborhood. Going 25 mph does not actually give you enough time to react to a child or a family pet from darting out into the street. Better to drive slowly in a neighborhood and keep everyone safe.
Thank you,
Barbara Wyman
Fox Den
Comments:
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This is a sad commentary on our community. A recent article in "Governing" cited how suburban sprawl has caused a "hectic" pace, speeding and increased traffic dangers.
We need more police enforcement and traffic calming measures to ensure the quality of life in Farragut.
We need more police enforcement and traffic calming measures to ensure the quality of life in Farragut.
# posted by 
: 6:40 AM, March 31, 2006
: 6:40 AM, March 31, 2006
Was the lady in the SUV on a cell phone? I swear I see more women driving the big SUV's around Farragut while talking on the phone, driving to fast and totally oblivious to whats going on around them, not to mention the denger they are putting themselves and ither people in. Oh, and by the way I drive an SUV with two kids in the back and they only time I tlak on the phone when driving is with a headset and then only if I have to take a call.
Listen to this one. the other day I was sitting at the stoplight at Kingston Pike and Concord road. I was in the outside lane heading east on Kingston Pike first vehicle at the light. A lady in a suv making a left hand turn from Concord rd. west bound onto Kingston Pike almost hit me! And no wonder. She was driving with her right hand, talking on the phone with her left hand and had her Cocker Spaniel in her lap with its head laying in the crutch of her elbow with its head out the window. A real multi-tasker this one. Makes me wonder what she was sitting on.
Come on people drive careful!!!
Sarah
Listen to this one. the other day I was sitting at the stoplight at Kingston Pike and Concord road. I was in the outside lane heading east on Kingston Pike first vehicle at the light. A lady in a suv making a left hand turn from Concord rd. west bound onto Kingston Pike almost hit me! And no wonder. She was driving with her right hand, talking on the phone with her left hand and had her Cocker Spaniel in her lap with its head laying in the crutch of her elbow with its head out the window. A real multi-tasker this one. Makes me wonder what she was sitting on.
Come on people drive careful!!!
Sarah
# posted by : 12:08 PM, March 31, 2006
: 12:08 PM, March 31, 2006
I bet that less than 1% of licensed drivers understand the concept of a speed limit. The limit refers to the maximum speed you can legally maintain if conditions are, in essence, perfect for driving. Less than ideal conditions can create situations in which you can be driving recklessly even if you're going the speed limit. In short, it's a limit, not an allowable speed at all times in all places. The van driver was driving illegally fast because of the presence of the handicapped pedestrian, and should have been cited. The writer of the letter should have gotten the license no. if possible and reported the reckless driving to the police.
Farragut has gotten progressively worse; you may want to consider doing what I just did---buying a home in Fountain City! The architecture is unique, the people are not so self-absorbed and there is a sense of community that doesn't exist here in Farragut. I gave it 5 years, try to involve myself in the community but why this place is so popular, I'll simply never understand. What has happened to us?
Bye,
Margaret
Sweet Briar resident 'til Sunday
Bye,
Margaret
Sweet Briar resident 'til Sunday
# posted by : 8:50 PM, April 03, 2006
: 8:50 PM, April 03, 2006
You're probably just ashamed to admit that you can't afford to live in Farragut. Because we have nicer things, most are just jealous. Move on.
# posted by : 5:44 PM, April 05, 2006
: 5:44 PM, April 05, 2006
Farragut bus driver charged with DUI. Back in the day before suburban sprawl, schools were smaller and more often than not within walking distance.
With our suburban sprawl has come the increased need for allowing others to watch over our children.
Isn't Farragut great?
Oh well...
With our suburban sprawl has come the increased need for allowing others to watch over our children.
Isn't Farragut great?
Oh well...
# posted by : 11:14 AM, April 08, 2006
: 11:14 AM, April 08, 2006
Come drive in Memphis for a week and see how bad, bad can get. I used to Live in Farragut and still come and visit family there several times a year. I'd trade bad drivers with you any time.
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# posted by : 12:51 PM, January 31, 2007
: 12:51 PM, January 31, 2007<< Home
