Saturday, April 15, 2006

A wreck before even leaving the sales lot


Local newspaper had an article about several cars being hit in a new car lot when another car ran off the road and smashed into the lot. Luckily no one was hurt.

People are often surprised when I tell them that I have never driven a car. I would feel nervous behind such a fast wheel. The kinder pace of bicycling, or public transit, is better. If I was in a hurry, I would book a flight.

Biking on a wide shoulder is safe enough, or on a less traveled road. It is rare when cars run off the road. Most accidents happen in intersections. However, being near the road can be a problem in rare cases, such as that day at the car lot.

Several years ago, a woman was killed sitting at her desk in a travel agency here in Bellingham; with-out even going on a trip. A car crashed through the travel agency's front doors and smashed the reception desk.

One time, as I crossed the border into Canada by bicycle, the custom agent ask why I didn't have a driver's licence. I just had non driver's ID. My explanation was that I didn't want to be part of the "car rat race." He smiled and said, "car wrecks don't happen with out cars."

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