Should I Be A Courteous Driver?

By Author: Wayne Patterson
Total Articles: 3
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The possible pitfalls of being a courteous driver.
Should you be a courteous driver? Your first reaction is probably "Of Course." We are taught that everyone should be a courteous driver. However you may change your mind after reading about Roger, the overly courteous driver. On a Tuesday afternoon in February 1996, Amy Woods and her friend Colleen Felkes were walking to a friend's house. They crossed he first two lanes of Page Boulevard in Springfield, Mass. and were standing on the double yellow line. Roger O'Neil, fearful that he might hit the girls, stopped his van. Immediately the girls darted across the street and into the path of another vehicle. Amy was tossed into the air and suffered permanent brain damage. She cannot feed herself, walk or talk. This horrible and tragic accident has left Amy in a world of constant pain and suffering. Where there is pain and suffering it is necessary in our society that fault be determined. Call in the lawyers! Was it Amy's fault for running out in the road without looking? Maybe it was Collen's for suggesting that they not use the crosswalk? The driver that hit Amy ...
... must be at fault for being unable to stop or possibly could it be the fault of Roger, the overly courteous driver. As you can already guess, Roger has been sued and the case will go to a jury later this year. In a way Roger is fortunate because he was driving a company van and the company is responsible for the legal fees. Stop and think for a minute how many times you have stopped for a car or pedestrian and waved them on. If an accident occurs do you have the personal resources to defend yourself in a lawsuit? It would not be unusual for legal fees in such a case to be in the 50,000 to 100,000 dollar range. But I have automobile insurance you say. Automobile insurance does not cover items like traffic tickets or criminal matters. There is also a question as to whether you would be covered in a scenario like Roger's. My insurance agent says no. An attorney that reviewed my policy says "maybe." When an attorney says "maybe" that equals "pay me money to find out." I do not want to stop being a courteous driver. Waiving only indicates that I see them. It does not mean that I have assumed the responsibility to watch were they are going. That is still their responsibility. I also do not want to put my family's financial future at risk because I am a courteous driver. That is why the American Bar Association, Overdrive magazine, and many insurance agents recommend membership in a pre-paid legal plan. Benefits and service vary so be sure to fully understand the coverage and limitations of whatever plan and company you select. We personally recommend Pre-Paid Legal Services. They have assisted us and our employees on numerous legal issues in a prompt and courteous manner. They are also the company that started the pre-paid concept in the United States and has the most extensive coverage for the money. To find out more visit http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/aoates. Wayne Patterson is the author of the ebook The Bluelight Special, secrets to beat your speeding ticket. To obtain your FR*E copy visit http://www.speedingticketcentral.com. Source: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/173/metro/ Jury_to_decide_liability_in_accident+.shtml About the Author Wayne Patterson is the author of "Solidgoldmonthly" home business newsletter. Home business news and views that you can use. No scams allowed! Subscribe now to receive FREE book of eBay Marketing Secrets, sold on other sites for $27.00.