To the editor:

Elizabeth Black’s article “Lawrence drivers seem to lack need for speed” (Pulse, May 28) was quite amusing.

I guess I’m now one of the “too pokey and polite” drivers to whom she referred, having lived here for seven years. I’ve also worked in Chicago, New York and commuted on I-95 to Washington, D.C., for 25 years. My comments pertain to all three cities. I really don’t miss being tailgated by an 18-wheeler at 75 mph, six feet behind me or trying to maintain a little space behind the car in front of me only to have it filled by some half-wit trying to gain another 10 feet.

Yes, I drove 65, 75 and 80 mph for 40 years. Only by the grace of the almighty did I not become one of the mangled vehicles or bodies I saw in hundreds of accidents witnessed on the streets, highways, loops, beltways and expressways of those fair cities.

Now, I do obey the speed limit and have often been caught behind some of our slow drivers. But, believe it or not, I’ve had close calls in Lawrence from some of our speeding residents and KU students who like to tailgate, pass on solid lines, go through stop signs, red lights and ignore yield signs.

But, all in all, I’ll take my chances in Lawrence and not complain if someone goes a little too slow. And what’s wrong with being polite?

Bill Venner,

Lawrence