Violence on Southern California Freeways
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Freeway shootings do not surprise me. I spend one month plus of my life each year driving on freeways. The past 10 years have seen a huge increase on the traffic count, and the pressures of driving on these battlefields creates stress which is damaging.
The 19 miles I travel each way to work and back are interesting from an observer’s, if not a participant’s, view. Trucks looming on your rear bumper; cars darting from lane to lane in a futile effort to gain ground; the idiots who pull into the left lane with inches to spare and then leaves a hundred yard gap between themselves and the car in front of them; the screams; threats; gestures. What is the next step?
It is an atavistic circus. Too many threats, too many digit salutes and then gunshots.
No surprise to me.
I am surprised, or should I be, that all such incidents are reported as “unprovoked.” I doubt it.
My advice: Pick a lane, stay in it, try to relax, listen to music, sing along, take deep breaths and try to find some humor.
WILLIAM CUDDY
Van Nuys
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