It's unique. I'd think.
I've never seen any like it for, you see, I drive an invisible car.
While I can definitely see the other cars on the road, it seems a sure thing they can't see me.
How else to explain why one might pull out directly into my path? I have to be invisible, right?
I find this especially aggravating when I am, say, driving down the highway, third in line with nobody behind me all the way back as far as I can see. Would it really hurt some great unknown plan to let me safely pass first? It doesn't happen. Mr. or Ms. in the little red automobile will allow the first two to go but then pulls out directly in front of me. They were no farther apart than I was to 2.
Obviously, I am invisible for, while the speed limit here says fifty, little red jalopy now right in front of me, never goes over 42. "Pedal faster" I whisper impatiently.
Same thing with that silver van that passes from behind in a no-passing zone. Well, obviously it has to see me. No other reason for it to pull into the left lane here. I'm relieved it makes it back safely but why pull in just inches (well, all right, a few feet perhaps) in front of me? I've slowed to help it get safely around. I can see that truck approaching at full speed. Give me a break too, OK?
Then there are those big-store parking lots. Whatever shield it is that makes me unseen is in full force here.
I know when I put my car in reverse all sorts of lights go on to tell people - and cars - that it is my intention to begin moving. Backwards. So why pick that moment to drive by just behind me? Or, worse, to walk? Even worse, to push your shopping cart?
Cars of course are a danger but at least, if there is any advantage to their game (believe me, it is not a game for me), we meet on fairly even ground. Car vs. car. But what of these shoppers with their carts? Or those on foot? Do they ALL - ALWAYS - believe themselves invincible?
There are none so blind as they who will not see.
Pedestrians perhaps are even worse. They just seem to presume that God will watch out for them no matter what the size or the speed of the vehicle they step immediately in front of.
I've seen the big sign the Fredonia police put there warning us motorists that pedestrians have the right of way. I understand that - and I'm all for it. I can be a pedestrian too. But please, give motorists at least enough of a break to look before stepping off the curb right in front of us.
I don't think you walkers realize how often you venture out garbed entirely in dark clothing. It can get very dark around here at night.
Lastly, I can't stop until I mention bicyclists. Same things apply - dark clothing and no reflectors on bike or garb. Worse, of course, is the habit of weaving in and out around parked cars, on and off the sidewalk.
You're all nice people. You all deserve to live.
So do I. So please - take my veil of invisibility off your eyes.
Susan Crossett is a Cassadaga resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com
