“Summertime …” and the roads will be busy.

Fourth of July weekend is upon us. That will mean more cars, more pedestrians, more bikes in Vacationland. There will be some who feel compelled to drive 80 mph and there will be clogged roads.

I have been driving for 50 years. When I was younger, my vision and reflexes were sharp. I scanned the roadway, checked my mirrors and could react quickly. Years later, I do not drive as I used to. For one thing, I am more aware of potholes and manhole covers in Portland that make me do the Forest Avenue Slalom. Pedestrians, inevitably dressed in dark clothing, are much harder for me to see in the dark. 

After millions of miles, I realize, in hindsight, that I have no idea how many impaired drivers I have passed. I do not know how many drivers have been on the brink of having their keys taken away. Only sometimes do I notice that some drivers have been distracted by texting, eating, applying makeup or changing channels. I know that there are tailgating, swerving jerks out there. I’ve been pretty lucky so far.

With 200,000 miles on my current car, I am grateful to the many drivers who have parked next to me and not dinged my car to smithereens. It’s rather amazing.

This weekend, let’s be mindful. Play safe. Play nice. Be grateful to be in Maine, alive in this 250-year-old effort to create a more perfect union. USA! USA!

M-A Barker
Scarborough