A few notes regarding road etiquette as we head into icy season:

√ Please use turn signals. I so rarely see anyone utilizing them, and that's a shame for the car manufacturers, I wonder if they know their vehicles didn't come equipped with them? Using your turn signal only takes a millisecond, the barest flick of a finger.

√ Please stop at stop signs. I used to live at a busy intersection located between two schools, and even though kids are always coming or going, it didn't hinder the impatient from speeding through (or worse, going around the buses actively dropping off students).

√ Please don't tailgate those abiding by the speed limit. Also, please don't drive on the shoulder to go around anyone waiting to turn. That's a big no-no, and for good reason.

I mention these issues because as someone who spends a substantial amount of time in their vehicle, I am privy to just how negligent and impatient most drivers are. I recently saw a letter to the editor waxing on kindness during the holiday season, and I fully agree, but when it said “be kind to the person up your tailpipe because blah blah” I respectfully had to disagree — there is never a good excuse for that kind of behavior behind the wheel. Everything listed here is incredibly dangerous and easily preventable, if only some would just slow down, pay attention, and most importantly, be mindful of others on the road. It's not just you out there.

Cassandra Heath,

Butler