Dear Editor,
In regards to Ms. Zilm’s annoyance and frustration toward pick up truck drivers in her March 15 letter to the Editor.
I find your attitude discriminating and unfair. To paint truck drivers as irrational and to say that we have no consideration for human life, that madam is not right.
I have driven a truck for a few years, I have driven Deerfoot trail many, many times. It is my experience that when I am on Deerfoot, in the centre lane, doing the limit, small vehicles in particular will speed up and pass me because they don’t want to follow behind a truck. I have been passed many times by little beetle type cars as well as Smart cars.
I realize with the road conditions during storms, the snow blowing and lane restrictions, it can be very intimidating.
What amazes me, is how heavy the traffic was that night in question. You said you were on Deerfoot Trail heading to Okotoks after midnight. There was that much traffic that “a barrage of pickup trucks heading south started to tailgate you?”
That seems odd to me that so many vehicles were out so late in a storm. And, you also encountered six trucks that passed you on the right shoulder. If you are in the centre lane, there is a lane to the right of you before you encounter the shoulder. It is not illegal to pass from the right, unless it is a single highway or you are on the shoulder.
I agree that people can be bad drivers, not paying attention, distracted, but for you to accuse pickup truck drivers solely, is wrong.
We have feelings too. We care for human life. I do not believe I sit at the right hand of God, but I will be up there. If you are ever in need of assistance, it might just be a truck driver that helps you out. Happy travels.
Brenda Merkley
Okotoks
