Driving with aloha ADVERTISING Driving with aloha A new year’s resolution I have is to become a better driver. Anyone who has lived in Hilo for more than 20 years has seen changes for the worse in the driving habits
Driving with aloha
A new year’s resolution I have is to become a better driver. Anyone who has lived in Hilo for more than 20 years has seen changes for the worse in the driving habits of many newcomers and locals alike.
The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation that comes with status cars, more to get done in less time, cellphones … makes it car vs. car rather than driving with empathy and awareness of the possible consequences of dangerous driving habits.
There was a time when uncaring acts such as tailing, crossing the center line and angry honking were not a part of Hilo and certainly not a part of Kaumana. Driving 5 mph over the speed limit was the fastest anyone dared to drive, or police would pull you over and write you a ticket. The other drivers likely were people you knew, and a “honk” was a friendly “hello.” People had an awareness that it was uncool to tail the person in front of you.
I live along newly improved Kaumana Drive. Like any change in habit, becoming an improved driver for life will require determination, intention, self-awareness and support of family, friends and community. I resolve to:
1. Be aware of and obey the posted speed limits, especially along 3 miles of curves and when I am running late. Hey, it’s the law.
2. Ignore the tailing, honking and ignorance or intentional intimidation of those who speed. Visualize the Police Department, other residents and drivers who are on my side, so no need for fear or road rage.
3. Put other people before myself and the whole ego-car/cellphone stupidity. This includes all other drivers, residents trying to merge onto the road from side streets and driveways, people working to improve our roads, the few pedestrians who continue to put their faith in drivers … and kids and pets playing behind the thin barrier of roadside hedges.
After trying the above a few times, I found that the drive along Kaumana Drive is really smooth and scenic. Slowing down gave me the power of being present, 100 percent in control and aware.
I was driving defensively. Pedestrians were safe as I drove by, and we could even make eye contact, wave and smile. I noticed people living along Kaumana Drive doing yard work, sitting on front porches, waiting to enter the crosswalk and walking dogs.
I also noticed that buses and large work trucks obey speed limits and stay on their side of the center line, so I have no excuse with my SUV. Glancing in my rear-view mirror to try and see the drivers tailing me revealed an elderly person and a mom with kids, rather than some faceless tyrants.
Has someone come up with bumper stickers or yard signs we can post to raise awareness and to show solidarity? On Oahu, I have seen an increase in slogans such as “Drive with Aloha” and “Drive Safe, Arrive Alive.” Can Hilo do something similar?
S. Wong
Hilo
