Public Roads: They’re Not Your Daddy’s Property, Mr. Uncles!
In society, everyone has rights and freedom, but that doesn’t mean we get to harm or inconvenience others. Absolutely not. Yet, some people seem to think public spaces exist solely for their personal use.
So, why am I writing this blog? Let me tell you about a day that pushed me to my limits and gave birth to these thoughts.
Public Roads Are for Everyone
Public roads are for everyone, not just a single person or a privileged group. Every traveler—be it a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist—has equal rights on the road. Unfortunately, there’s a special breed of people who seem to think, “This road belongs to my family. Maybe it’s even named after my grandfather.” Spoiler alert: It’s not.
These self-proclaimed road rulers are often from the senior generation, a group we’re taught to respect unconditionally. But let me ask you this: How do we give respect to someone who doesn’t offer it in return? Respect is a two-way street, just like, you know, an actual road.
What Happened That Day
After a long, exhausting day at college, I spent some time with my teachers and friends, enjoying food and good company. Around 7 p.m., I got on my vehicle to head home—just 15 kilometers, not a big deal, right? Wrong.
What I experienced on the roads that night left me frustrated. Most of the issues? Courtesy of our beloved “Mr. Uncles.” Let me break it down for you:
- No Indicators, No Problem
Turning left? Right? Who knows! Why use indicators when you can just swerve unpredictably? It’s a guessing game for the rest of us, and let me tell you, nobody’s winning. - Talking Like They Own the Roads
These uncles seem to think the middle of the road is the perfect spot for a catch-up session. Overly loud conversations, arms waving around—are they conducting traffic or just conducting chaos? - Blinding High Beams
Ever had an oncoming vehicle blind you with its high beams? Yeah, that’s another favorite move of our senior road warriors. It’s as if they think, “If I can’t see you, you don’t exist!” Well, Mr. Uncle, I exist, and so do the rules about dimming your lights. - Blame Game Champions
If something goes wrong, guess who’s at fault? You guessed it—the younger generation. A senior citizen parked their scooter in the middle of the road? Clearly, it’s our fault for not magically teleporting around it.
A Message to Mr. Uncles
Dear Mr. Uncles, public roads are not your daddy’s property. Shocking, I know. But here’s the thing: Rules and manners exist for a reason. If you don’t follow them, you’re not just making life difficult for us—you’re creating chaos for everyone.
We, the younger generation, are tired. Tired of being blamed for your mistakes. Tired of navigating the obstacles you create. And tired of pretending that your actions are okay.
So here’s a simple request:
- Use your indicators.
- Dim your high beams.
- Follow traffic rules.
- And maybe, just maybe, stop blocking the road for a gossip session.
Why It Matters
When senior citizens don’t follow basic road etiquette, it sets a poor example for everyone. How can we learn respect if we’re met with recklessness? How can we coexist on the roads if one group thinks they’re above the law?
Respect isn’t about age—it’s about actions. Let’s make the roads a safer, more respectful place for everyone, regardless of generation.
To conclude, Mr. Uncles, remember this: public roads are not your private kingdom. Let’s share them responsibly. Because if you don’t, the frustration you see on our faces might just turn into honks, glares, or something far less polite.
