Giles County has some of the most
beautiful country in the state of Virginia, but driving the roads of Giles as they become
increasingly populated is becoming more of a challenge with each passing day. Many of the
winding roads have blind curves and low shoulders. Common sense would dictate that we
should drive within the speed limit or below to enable us to drive safely. This is
especially important with our deer population on the rise. Around each curve is the
potential for a deer, a dog, a tractor or a child to be in your path.
When individuals drive secondary roads in Giles County at speeds that exceed safe limits,
it is difficult to maintain control of a vehicle. Rather than staying on the right side of
the road, too many drivers are taking “their half out of the middle”. At 60
miles per hour a car can travel 88 feet in one second. The ash of emergency flares on the
roadside, as well as demolished fencing and the bark torn from trees are mute testimony to
the damage reckless driving causes. One quarter of all fatal crashes are the result of
excessive or inappropriate speed.
The beauty of Giles County is one of our greatest natural resources. Driving at high
speeds leaves little opportunity to enjoy this scenic beauty. Gasoline is a natural
resource in high demand and dwindling supply. At this time of global and national energy
crisis, it makes sense to conserve fuel with safe driving. Cars use 20% more gas driving
at 70 miles per hour than they do at 55 miles per hour. Hard, fast acceleration guzzles
gas and wears out tires more quickly. The benefits of proper driving include drastically
lowering the possibility of a terrible accident, avoiding a speeding ticket, and saving
gasoline (and thus saving money& limited resources).
A wise man recently said “Better to lose a minute of your life than to lose your life
in a minute because of driving fast”. There’s no sense in being in a hurry,
there’s plenty of time to be dead. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of Giles County. |
