Tampa Bay Traffic: Faceless Spirits

The people who drive their missiles of death in and out of traffic, cutting others off, speeding and failing to use turn signals, have no face.  They sit as a black cloud of vapor in their vehicles of destruction.  Their spirits are cold and unattached. 

Do you know why they have no face?  Because it is impossible to see your grandma, brother, sister or husband deploying an automatic firearm into living and breathing people .  But they do.  Every time they get behind the wheel and drive without regard for others.  Eventually their bullets will tear into someone's flesh and end a life - or more.

The faceless spirits who unleash terror on the roads around Tampa Bay are people you know.  In a near miraculous transformation we recognize their face, the one that appears on the Internet, the TV or in the newspaper following one of their senseless crimes.  "That's Uncle Bob.  He appears a little sheepish, but that's Uncle Bob.   How in the world could he have  murdered that woman and her children?"

Do the faceless spirits leave home each day with the intent to murder someone?  Probably not.  Please don't let the difference between intent and the act of killing someone cloud your observation however.  People are dying  on streets around Tampa Bay everyday and our friends and relatives are killing them.

Stop for a moment and think about your closest friend or relative who drives a vehicle.  Would you rather see their smiling face at your backyard cookout?  Or would you rather see their wide-eyed and scared face on the six o'clock news?  I am relatively certain you wouldn't want to see the faces of the young couple they just killed. 

The punishment and consequences handed down for vehicular crimes are not deterring the ordinary citizen-turned-criminal.  It's up to you and I to inititate effort.  It is time we put an end to letting our loved ones drive the Tampa Bay roadways devoid of human spirit and face.  Express concern for their driving habits.  Ask if they use turn signals, if they speed or if they dart in and out of traffic.  And, before you let them leave for the day...

"Honey, pick up some milk after work and please don't kill anyone with your car today."

For some interesting commentary on the driving habits of Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County motorists, please visit Tommy Duncan's post  at Sticks of Fire.  Be sure to click on the links within his articles for continued coverage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Deb]

It is not just Tampa.

Late in December I made a comment to my husband Michael...
"You sure do a whole lot of praying in the car."
"Jesus Christ, God Almighty" ect.
My 21 yr old son was standing there and he said.... "Ma, someone has to pray for these stupid drivers."

I really think it's a matter of mindless driving.

You said it Dave, 'unattached'.
They are mindless and 'unattached' to their own activity of driving.

[Joy Des Jardins]

Dave, I LOVE THIS POST! And, I truly associate with everything you say. When I'm witness to a "darter" (as I've come to call them), I feel fear AND anger. Fear, for the obvious...what unsuspecting person will wind up splattered all over their windshield because of this thoughtless imbecile? Anger, because they are so sadly irresponsible. They are faceless, everyday people; just as you say Dave. If we warn them...or ask them...to please be responsible to their fellow drivers and pedestrians...will they? There's no guarantees just because we make our pleas. It's frightening, it's disgusting, and it's everywhere...like a disease. Noone should be afraid to get in their car with the fear of not returning alive. I agree; something is VERY wrong.

[Dave]

Deb - two differences between the Tampa and Cleveland area. The vast number of people who do not use their turn signals and an overwhelming amount of aggressive drivers. I would say the indifferent-head-up-the-bottom side-cellphone-talking morons, are the same. There isn't a snowball's chance in Key West that I'll let Carla drive on these streets until she's taken private defensive driving training.

Joy - I can only hope that an awareness will help. Thanks for your kind comments sister!

[Tim Fasano]

I have been a cab driver in Tampa for the last 11 years. Drivers are only getting worse primarily in the south Tampa area. SUV's are the real problem. IN my opinion it stems from selfishness and lack of regard for anyone else.

I believe these people are a threat to my safety and the public. I like what you said that the current laws don't seem to be working. We need more enforcement or penalties with teeth in them.

[tommy]

Thanks for pointing out my post. I wish I knew how to reach more folks and impart how really difficult it is to drive, and that you must pay attention every second you are on the street. If that were possible, perhaps we'd stop killing people.

[Dave]

Tim - thanks for offering your perspective! I am in traffic between one and one and a half hours per day. You're in it for an entire shift!

Anyone reading this comment, be sure to check out Tim's website. It is fresh and interesting.

Tommy - actually, you reach quite a few people and every little bit helps. Outstanding website brother!