Wednesday, June 1, 2011

TUMBLING DICE

I know, I know, you’re here to read about cars; but sometimes we need to drift from the hardware, to the habits. People express themselves through their vehicles. Stereotypes abound: rednecks drive pick-ups, blondes cruise in convertibles, and soccer moms haul it all in the mini-van. Drivers can be who they want to be through their wheels. To each their own! However, there is one area that I just plain do not understand. What’s up with the dangling debris hanging from rear view mirrors?

My exhaustive research has turned up everything from the traditional air fresheners, to the clichéd tumbling dice. The list includes prayer beads and Mardi Gras beads, St. Christopher medals, Hawaiian leis, security badges, graduation tassels, plastic skulls, key chains of all shapes and sizes, good luck rabbit’s feet, and even a wayward G-string (no kidding).

In my case, I have no choice. My work requires that I display a parking tag from my mirror. It’s small, tight to the mirror’s stem, but it’s there nevertheless. In my defense, at least it’s not hitting me in the face every time the car makes a move.

Honestly, don’t the dangling distractions drive their owners crazy? Isn’t it annoying to take a mouthful of Mardi Gras beads at every turn? The rattling noise alone would aggravate me. Isn’t it dangerous to have your attention diverted by a dangling rabbit’s foot, especially if it pokes you in the eye? Rolling dice obscures the driver’s visibility and could be illegal. What you choose to dangle could also be embarrassing. Think about it, how do you explain to the police officer that you caused an accident because you were distracted by a G-string?

I’m all for freedom of expression, as long as you drive safely while you do it. Consider demonstrating your personality through your Mini, your Maxima, or the color that you choose for your car, instead of dangling debris. It might make the roads a whole lot safer.

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