The Ed speaks. Again.

I was driving home the other day,and got myself stuck in TWO massive traffic jams on the PIE. Yes, TWO! In the rain! And with a growling tummy! Goodness, that’s a really bad combination (as in the growling tummy and rain bit). There I was in the driver’s seat, with the radio and air-con running, thinking of food. Can you imagine having a nice, warm cup of coffee on your left hand, and a double cheeseburger on your right hand? Well, at least that will spruce things up a bit. Oh, it’d be tricky if you’re driving a manual though.

Ahh…The things you can think of when you’re hungry.

Anyway (sheesh…sidetracked there), I was stuck in two massive traffic jams in the evening while driving back home from home…err…I mean office. And the rain was pouring heavily too. The first traffic jam was caused by a Hyundai Tucson that turned turtle, while the second was caused by a Toyota Wish that slammed hard into the back of a brand new Honda Civic (it was bearing an “SJC” registration plate). Both these accidents caused two lanes to be closed to traffic. In evening rush hour, that equates to only one thing – major delay.

I can only think of one thing looking at these two incidents – bad driving.

As a motoring scribe (us motoring journalists refer to ourselves as that), we spend hours on the roads test driving cars. What’s appalling (well, to me anyway), is seeing drivers still driving in a reckless manner – no lights, speeding, tail-gating, switching lanes dangerously, you get the whole idea – on the wet roads. Common sense (apparently it’s not so common anymore) should tell you that while driving in the rain, you should (a) switch on your headlamps (b) keep a safe distance and (c) be more alert. And having a good set of tyres goes a long way too.

I won’t deny that I almost got involved in an accident a few times too. And I swear (I REALLY do!), other drivers were just not being careful and alert enough. Being involved in a traffic accident is something I won’t want to get myself into – and also something I don’t want to hear happening to my loved ones.

I think I’m freaking myself out these days. I’m calling my dad before he drives home from work, reminding him to be extra careful on the wet roads. I’m SMSing my girlfriend before she leaves office, with the same reminder. I’m SMSing my sister to pray hard every single time she takes a cab. A bit extreme to some extent, but I just had to…

So ladies and gentlemen, remember this – DRIVE SAFELY AND CAREFULLY. Wet roads are very dangerous, if driven with the wrong attitude. And don’t forget to check your tyres and brakes too – bad tyres and failing brakes are something you won’t want to have on your car…