This is in response to Bria Schrieber’s letter of May 4 and Konstance Haas’ letter of May 11. I agree with Konstance. Hey! Just because a speed limit is posted, it doesn’t mean you have to drive that fast. People are in too much of a hurry.

Eleven years ago I was a victim of a speeding teenage driver shortly after the school day ended. I was a pedestrian, crossing the street (at an intersection and with a green light.) And, for argument’s sake, I state a fact: Even though I had a green light, I looked all ways (including behind me) to make sure it was clear. I had clear vision for at least a block each way. This driver wasn’t in sight.

I was almost halfway across (light still green) when the driver zoomed up, started to turn the corner, saw me and slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. Lucky for me, I didn’t get run over or hit my head. I was thrown into the air and landed on my butt. Unlucky for me, the landing on cement broke my back in two places and caused other damage.

Ever since, I have had back and other problems as a result, which continually gets worse as the years go by, one of which is spinal degeneration.

Now I ask: If people don’t have time to slow down and pay attention to their driving or get upset by someone who is, do they have time to be stopped for a traffic violation, or even possibly be in an accident — and maybe hurt or kill someone? All that could happen. Yes, I have been behind slow drivers, but then I think, “maybe that’s God’s way of preventing me from an accident.”

I also want to remind everyone that driving is a full-time job itself. One cannot have his/her mind fully on driving while using their cell phone or texting or talking to passengers. What is so important about phone calls that one can’t be missed once in a while? If it’s important, they will call back. Or, if you have to, then just answer and say “I’m driving; hold on a moment while I pull over,” and put the phone down until you do. Of course, there is such a thing on the phone that tells you who called; and you can call them back later instead of answering. If life is so busy, then eliminate something.

Carolyn Westrum

Albert Lea