My wife and I moved to Ridgefield a year and a half ago seeking a better quality of life, for ourselves and future children. Although both native to Queens, we had both grown tired of the noise, filth and crime of city life.
Needless to say that, when we first visited Ridgefield on a interview, it was love at first sight. While it was in fact my wife’s interview, I gave my employer notice the next day. I was sold , and ready to move and start fresh in a town that was was nothing like I’ve known. Clean, quiet beautiful with people who appreciate their community and children.
As a third generation veteran, this was the America that I had fought for but frankly never lived in. Even after having been initiated by the cold dark of Sandy’s wake , and one of the hardest winters in some time we still love it here. It is our hope to start a family and participate in social spiritual community organizations.
Ridgefield truly embodies all aspects of quality living a family could want. All but one…
Wednesday, December 4, 06:25 a.m.: While returning home after my daily coffee run, driving south on Ridgebury Road, I approached the stop sign at George Washington Hwy. As I began to pull off I noticed a a set of headlights speeding up to me in my rear view mirror.
Seconds later I’m being blinded by high beams, tailgated and honked at. Why? What was my crime?, I was obeying the speed limit!
After having had enough I stopped my car, opened my door and shouted “What’s the G#d Dam speed limit?“ and why are you on my a@@?!” Yes, I know, ill advised even under the best conditions, but I was livid.
Imagine my surprise to see that the other driver was a well-groomed young lady, no different than any other working mom type (who I’ve chosen not to embarrass, and omitted her license plate),
I wish I could say that this is a rare event, but it’s not. My morning drive has become increasingly more stressful having to dodge, 1: Soccer moms running late with a big bad SUV, and 2: Contractor dads with a big bad utility truck, in a rush.
I have found my neighbors to be some of the most reckless, aggressive, thoughtless speeders I have ever seen. Just one man’s opinion? Maybe But anyone with a Ridgefield Press twitter account knows to look out for this weekends wreck on Route 7. It’s a weekly sure bet in our town that the Tigers are going to win, the deer are going to destroy my garden, and someone will wreck their car in town.
Why have I chosen to soapbox this matter, having never blogged or posted anything on social media? Because, Its getting worse and I fear if we all don’t stop and think about our actions behind the wheel, a child will be killed.
In my past I operated heavy equipment for the Air Force and held a master license. I’ve driven some of the world’s most dangerous vehicles under the absolute worst conditions. From Arctic ice sheets to blinding sand storms, I’ve seen it all.
This experience has also exposed me to some of the most horrific accident scenes one could imagine, here and overseas. I tell you that it cannot be said enough: Speed Kills!
At 06:25 a.m. school buses are out and running . Our kids are out there sometimes in the dark waiting for them.
I wonder, what was the other driver rushing to? Was it worth the potential taking of a neighbors life?
I don’t have children yet and if I can slow down for your kids, why can’t you? If 25-30 MPH isn’t fast enough for all of you then start a campaign, lobby our selectmen (persons). Request a reevaluation of our roads speed limits.
But, for the sake of our young people, please slow down. Stop bullying cars who refuse to join you in you race with death.
To the readers I’ve already lost along the way — the “What’s the big dea” type — if you really feel like you’re not part of the problem and that a little reckless driving when it’s dark and the roads are “empty” isn’t a big deal, let me leave you with this thought. The difference between a slum and a suburb is not the buildings or the land but the way its people conduct themselves within. Please take it from a recent transplant: If you don’t want Ridgefield to turn into a nice looking-ghetto, stop driving like thugs.
P.S. This was not intended to be a critic of the many hard working men and women of our town’s public safety and police. They are the finest and most professional law enforcement agency I ever had the privilege of being protected by.