Newport Navalog

Careful, Courteous Driving Urged For Weekend Holiday

(Editor’s Note: The following article, written by CAPT T. J. Moriarty, FTC co. and the poem “Ode To A Letter” penned by LT Ralph Motika, is reprinted from the FTC monthly publication, THE INSTRUCTOR.)

Labor Day should not be a day of permanent rest. All of us will want to get the last drop of pleasure out of summer, but we don’t necessarily improve our chances by taking the last drop of pleasure from a bottle, particularly if we are going to drive. Those who believe that science will never replace superstition can disregard medical findings which say that only a few drinks will reduce the acuity of our response to emergencies. I know of no prevalent superstition that will overcome a coroner’s findings.

Grim Greeting

This may sound a little grim as a holiday greeting. The odds are pretty good that we will not be numbered among the 500 or so who will be killed on the long weekend. The odds will be a lot better if we take a few sensible precautions. Don’t drive after drinking; don’t exceed posted speed limits; get enough rest before a long trip; and practice courtesy on the road.

Those of us who have given up the pleasure of the vine have only the other fellow to worry about. Some of those fellows may be in your classroom. Give the word, and let them get the mental picture penned by LT Motika in his “Ode To A Letter.”

ODE TO A LETTER

Here’s to a letter edged in black for those who fail to make it back.
The color is somber, sad and dreary.
It’s meant for those who drive when weary, or those who drive after drinking.
It goes to show they’re not thinking.
This color also sets the pace for those who try to speed or race.
So think of all the gruesome scenes involving people and machines.
And remember that it’s a welcome sight when your family gets a letter ALL white.