Drivetime Mahatma

Dangerous distractions beset drive

Dear Mahatma: Driving to Lonoke on Interstate 40 recently, I came upon a car being driven somewhat erratically. Passing, I looked over at the driver and saw him scratching off lottery tickets in the center of his steering wheel at 70 mph. I have witnessed distracted drivers before, but this guy wins the prize. -- Little Rock Mike

Dear Mike: There are several things to say about this.

First, nothing says you couldn't have called Troop A of the Arkansas State Police to report dangerously erratic driving. Do you have this number, (501) 618-8282, in your cellphone?

Second, and speaking of cellphones, The Mahatma stood at the corner of Main and Capitol downtown and watched a series of drivers cruise through the intersection while on their cellphones. This was in the afternoon. In the morning, your correspondent was nearly hit by a clod who cut him off at the Sixth Street exit off Interstate 30. The clod was on his cellphone.

Third, this is a good time to remind drivers that this is the tippling season. Distracted driving could be drunken driving. You know who you are, people.

Because this is the season of (too much) good cheer, the state police and local law enforcement are hot on the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" public safety campaign. The enhanced enforcement started Dec. 12 and runs through Jan. 1.

This is for real, folks. The Mahatma and one of his readers both saw the result of enhanced enforcement recently at the same place. No, we're not saying where. OK, it was on an interstate highway in Arkansas. Multiple drivers were stacked up on the shoulder, visiting with troopers.

What a way to ruin a holiday.

Let it also be said that drunken driving, and the accidents it causes, can create a tidal wave of despair and devastation. It's a tidal wave that reaches many shores, not just that of the driver.

Dear Mahatma: Some of the vanity plates you feature are interesting, but I'm puzzled by those with eight letters. I thought the maximum number of letters and digits was seven. Is someone fibbing? -- Edward

Dear Edward: This confused us. But much does. So we looked for an authoritative source.

Roger Duren, administrator of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says personalized plates may have eight characters if the customer requests a plate without spaces.

Dear Mahatma: At least three times in previous columns you have highlighted vanity plates with eight letters or numbers. Most recently, KIDAGAIN. How can this be? -- TRKYBRD

Dear TRKYBRD: See above, Mr. Duren.

It appears the right spelling is KIDAGIN. The owner of a red Chevrolet convertible sent in a photo of the plate as it adorns the car.

He adds: "There is no doubt the Doctor of Drivetime would look dreamy and dandy driving American's only sports car -- a torch red convertible 2014 Corvette."

Perchance to dream...

Vanity plate seen on a black Corvette: UD LOSE.

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Metro on 12/20/2014

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