Aiken drivers lack courtesy

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines courtesy as: "behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others." Courtesy is to be shown in every area of a person's daily life, but unfortunately drivers in Aiken seem ignorant to such a simple thing.           

The written rules of the road are meant to keep every driver safe, and contrary to popular belief, no driver is above the law. While the actual laws need to be followed, it is the unwritten rules, those involving common courtesy, that get people into the most trouble. Those that enjoy speeding up behind me, tailgating and then shooting past me in the school zone in front of Aiken High, I'm talking to you. Not only is it illegal to speed, especially while the lights are flashing indicating a 25 mph speed limit, and follow too closely, but you are being a jerk. Those large yellow lights are there for a reason; the high school students actually use that sidewalk and stupidity on a driver's behalf will get someone hurt. Pedestrians are not the only ones at risk from the less than perfect driving displayed in Aiken; other drivers are as well.

On more than one occasion, traffic accumulates on the bypass due to drivers who choose to drive 10 mph below the speed limit. Chances are the people behind you are growing agitated and more likely to perform careless maneuvers to get around slow moving traffic. Most of Aiken's drivers also enjoy speeding up to ride out an ending lane before cutting in front of someone who has already merged long ago. Once this telltale sign of intelligence is complete, the rude driver slows down, obviously not in so much of a hurry as before.

A horn honk and the middle finger ought to be enough motivation to pay attention and show respect to other drivers. Although rude, it is a far better response to bring someone's attention to carelessness than an accident.