In our tight-knit community, there’s been quite a buzz about my recent antics. Honestly, it’s understandable—if I saw someone in the middle of the road, passionately shouting at passing cars, I’d probably talk about it too. But I have a very valid reason for my outbursts: reckless driving.
Vehicles speed through our neighborhood as if it were a racetrack, completely disregarding the bright red stop signs that signify our common rules of the road. I’m not just referring to casual roll-throughs; these drivers are barreling down streets where children are often playing—children who are as unpredictable as puppies.
On any given day, my front lawn is a playground filled with three to eight kids, engaged in everything from baseball and soccer to water balloon fights. As I stand there—either distributing ice pops or chatting with a neighbor—I often find myself yelling at speeding cars, “Slow down!” or “Are you serious?!” My children have even picked up a few colorful phrases from my outbursts, and I’m both embarrassed and amused when I hear my five-year-old echo my sentiments by asking, “Why the rush, buddy?”
There are times when I take a more assertive approach, even stepping into the street to slow down traffic. I’ve taken photos of license plates, too, but I’ve also had the awkward experience of realizing I was admonishing a neighbor. Still, my priority is to protect the children.
For quite a while, I’ve received dirty looks and disapproving gestures without anyone confronting me—until today. While unloading groceries outside my home, a black car pulled up beside me. The window rolled down, revealing a woman I didn’t recognize. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you for months,” she said.
My heart sank.
“You yelled at me to slow down,” she continued.
“Oh no,” I thought. “Really?” I wanted to maintain my firm stance, but I also worried she might unleash her frustration on me.
Instead, she surprised me. “I wanted to apologize and admit you were right,” she confessed. She explained that although she initially responded with a hand gesture, she later realized she had been driving too fast, particularly in a residential area. Now, she takes more care behind the wheel.
Well, that was a pleasant surprise.
So as my kids chase after balls, you can find me out there too—keeping an eye on the road for their safety. A parent does what they must to protect their little ones.
If you’re interested in learning more about family safety and health resources, you can check out this informative piece on pregnancy and home insemination here. And for those curious about at-home options for starting a family, visit this authority on the subject.
In summary, the importance of vigilance in our neighborhoods cannot be overstated. As parents, we must advocate for our children’s safety, even if it means standing in the middle of the street to confront inattentive drivers.