Dear Editor:

In his March column Dave Brown wrote “Give every new driver an hour.” I agree whole-heartedly, but what happened, why did it change in the first place? Your March issue also covered the lack of rest areas. How drivers only want that quick coffee and go. Do we, really? Or, are we being corralled like so many sheep. If you give us no place to rest, where is the time to promote camaraderie? So when do I give my hour to any new driver? Where do I get to know him/her and pass on this experience and a professional attitude?

Most drivers, in my own company, see each other for seconds going the other way. Most young drivers I talk with impress me with their knowledge and professionalism. Yet so many are stuck in their own bubble when on the road. With today’s technology of satellite radios, text messaging, cell phones, electronic logs, a driver is in a private world at 100 km/h. No matter what, though, you must take the time for common courtesy to your comrades.

Return my wave, flash your headlights when I’ve cleared your truck, grab that CB and warn me of danger up ahead, if I’m on the side of the road, for goodness sake, move over. That’s a simple start, isn’t it?

Kevin Shanahan Via e-mail