THE GRIDLOCKSMITH

THE GRIDLOCKSMITH, traffic safety activist, "Roads Scholar," former "Road Warrior" who lost a brother (aged,15) on the road in 1969, has compiled many observations and ideas about traffic safety after 3 decades of driving for a living. "Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution? Set a safe example in traffic." You, too, can be a gridlocksmith. "Road-Peace is a step toward World Peace." - Earl Shoop

My Photo
Name:
Location: Silver Spring, MARYLAND, United States

Looking for what's logical, efficient, kind and fun... Traffic safety became a personal issue when my youngest brother died on the highway. I observed traffic unsafety while driving for a living(30yrs). Spread the word about "Road-Peace" as a step on the road to World Peace. Since those wise and gentle enough to create World Peace will not treat each other as we now do, in traffic, the road is a good place to focus our efforts. see www.road-peace.com www.gridlocksmith.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

SANDWICH BOARD = WEARABLE POSTERS


The velcro straps, looped through the holes, make it possible to carry two large posters, hands free. Encountering the folks at community gatherings, parades, and health fairs, it's nice to be able to shake hands, take photos, and hand out literature, etc.


If you can make a collage, you can do this. These were made from recycled displays of architect's renderings on strong foam core sandwiches, often called "gatorboard." Strong cardboard from large appliance boxes could also be used. If you are not planning on using yours far into the future, less sturdy materials would be acceptable.


Markers, Paper, glue, duct tape (available in various colors- I used red and gray) and clear plastic covering for inclement weather complete the list of materials. I found scissors, a large paper cutter and a box cutter useful.

These have a scruffy, amateurish look by design. I want viewers to think, "I can do that."



















You, too, can promote traffic safety, or other good causes with greater visibility, using your own home-made wearable posters.

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, October 22, 2009

SEAT BELT REMINDERS


IMPORTANT REMINDER
FAILURE TO BUCKLE UP MAY BE FATAL!


Should this be a bumpersticker?
( Whaddayaknow, I think it is! )
Could a shirt be the next snicker?
(Complete with red car collision biz!)


I am thinking of an old friend who "always" buckled up... but forgot on the worst possible day: the day she totaled her car! She spent months in the hospital, and may have painful reminders for the rest of her life. The price for forgetting can be expensive, indeed!

During the years since, I have developed an interesting technique for gently reminding people to consider activating their life protection devices -- aka, seat belts. I suspect that it may have prolonged a number of lives.

If it appears that the driver in question may be of questionable character, or seems downright thuggish, I would pause to consider if this is one of those rare people who might respond with hostility. Oh, well, we can't save everyone.

Some just shrug or hoist a nose.
(I never lose any sleep over those.)


THE PROCEDURE

While stopped at a lite,
I wave as I'm smiling,
To show that I'm friendly,
Though not too beguiling.

If the prospect smiles, too,
Then, is surely deserving
of the helpful reminder
I soon will be serving.

It's showtime's bliss,
As I hoist up my belt,
Then give it a kiss.
You might think it could melt.

Though puzzling, at first,
This uncommon scene,
Was far from the worst
That ever was seen.

Laughter then came,
Though not to the max,
Still, was enough
To let one relax.

So, brain cells break loose,
And someone is chuckling,
And, what do you know,
A seat belt is buckling.

Then, a window,
Downward cranks.
The smiling face
Offers, "Thanks."




Click right here
If you like this section;
Browse the store
And make your selection.


make custom gifts at Zazzle

Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

BUS DRIVERS: LEARN PURPOSE OF "HAZARD" SIGNALS

I have been noticing that many bus drivers seem to lack the understanding that "hazard signals" (aka- "flashers," or "blinkers") actually engage their turn signals so that it appears they are signaling that they are turning both ways at once. Until buses (and other vehicles) are designed with separate signals for turns and hazards, we are denied the ability to signal our intention to turn while the hazard signals are operating.

Perhaps it's time that we have separate signals for turns and hazards?

Monday, October 05, 2009

GRIDLOCKSMITH store now on Zazzle

This is one of the first dozen bumper stickers in the new store at Zazzle.com. Note the subtle humor of our courteous "PLEASE!" being run down. Oh, well.

Coming soon, tee shirts with pathetic poetry posted on the backs. Betcha can't wait for this one...


"Road Rage Remedy"
-gridlocksmith.com

The gridlocksmith is a fellow
Who likes the traffic mellow,
But, when drivers intrude,
With attitudes, rude,
He sometimes used to bellow!

He soon saw that was folly.
So, to make himself quite jolly,
He said, "Yessiree, Bob,
They're doing a fine job;
They keep me alert, by golly!"

If that's not pithily platitudinous, what is?

Still gotta eat. Can anybody spare some bread?




"Will traffic safety advocate for food."