Chicago Fire Commissioner James Joyce is correct when he says that motorists have become too selfish when it comes to the safety of emergency workers.
Commissioner Joyce does not go far enough, however. Motorists have become overly self-absorbed in all areas of driving, to the point of law-breaking at the least and death at the worst.
These drivers have lost all notion of common sense.
Many of these drivers seem to be suffering from what is called “affluenza,” the mistaken belief that since they have spent a lot of money on their cars, as Joyce quotes them, “It’s all about me, my schedule, the important places I have to be, so get out of my way.”
It is plainly evident that most drivers need a lesson in the laws of operating a motor vehicle; perhaps the police can provide this.
Until then, drivers should remember:
Do not enter an intersection if there is not room to exit it; red lights and stop signs mean stop, at the stop line, not in the crosswalk; pedestrians have the right-of-way over turning cars; do not exceed the speed limit; pay attention to what you are doing, plan ahead and stop thinking only about yourself for once.
