I love driving. There, I've said it. But since becoming a father five weeks ago, I've been more aware than ever of how anti-social and thoughtless motorists can be.
Why the sudden realisation? The simple and joyful act of pushing a pram. You wouldn't believe how many drivers think pavements are car parks. Just try getting a pram past a car that is totally blocking a pavement. Why should pram drivers have to veer into a busy road because car drivers are so brainless?
But we pram pushers are the lucky ones. I feel so sorry for anyone in a wheelchair whose progress is totally blocked by a mindlessly parked car.
Sadly, car drivers think they are the only people who matter. They regard themselves (wrongly) as the eternal victims, who should be forever above the law. For some reason, they consider that speed limits should be optional, and double yellow lines merely street art. I blame Jeremy Clarkson, that anti-social moron whose crass lifestyle is subsidised by the BBC licence fee payer.
Pavements are for pedestrians, not cars. Speed limits are for a reason. Why should criminal car drivers be treated differently from burglars?
Rob, I couldn't agree more. But I promise you've got even more gripes to come - such as the number of places that still only offer baby changing in the ladies' loos, or if it is a separate room they don't have a toilet so if you're a dad on your own and you feel the call of nature the only option is to cross your legs.
I blogged about this from my phone (hence the mistakes) a while ago:
http://www.stuartbruce.biz/2007/12/a-very-stupid-c.html
Posted by: Stuart Bruce - Wolfstar | August 10, 2008 at 07:55 AM