I’m an avid cyclist and a dog owner. Recently, I have become increasingly discouraged with drivers throughout our Salt Lake City.

In 24 hours, while walking my dog or cycling, I had five poor encounters with drivers in the 9th & 9th area.

All were drivers trying to make a left-hand turn through an intersection; some were on their phones, but all demonstrated poor driving etiquette. The worst was the night a man, driving his Tacoma while talking on his phone, yelled at me as he continued to drive through the intersection while my girlfriend, my dog and I walked through the intersection of 900 East and 800 South.

I had the right of way in all situations, I was not walking at a slow pace—although I could if I wished.

Drivers, you sit within your four walls on your wheels of safety.

Start paying attention!

What is the state of our culture when, within the tight 9th & 9th community, people are not looking out for each other, their neighbors and friends? My father always told me, “Driving is not a right; it’s a privilege.”

Josh Dennis
Salt Lake City