Does this make me terrible?

RondackHiker

Coworkers and I went to lunch. On the way back, we were traveling behind a minivan that was swerving in and out of the lane, randomly slamming on the brakes, and generally being a sh!tty driver. We followed the van onto a highway, where the driver tried to merge onto a crowded 60mph highway at 15 mph.

One of my coworkers said something about a project we needed to work on when we got back to the office, and I joked, "yeah, as long as this guy doesn't cause a pile up and kill us all. He's the worst driver I've seen in a long time."

My coworker gasped and said "you can't say that! He's handicapped! He can't help it!"

The van had one of those disabled license plates, grab bars by the back, and a sticker that said "poodles make the best service dogs!".

I didn't, and still don't, feel like that driver should get a free pass because he or she has a handicap. The van nearly sideswept several cars. That's dangerous.

I did apologize to my coworker since he seemed so massively offended, but I'm not sure I was wrong.

Am I wrong for thinking this guy was a crappy driver? Or does he or she get a pass bc of the disability? For the record, I thought he or she was a bad driver before I noticed the handicap tag.

RockyTopVols

If he can't safely operate a motor vehicle then he shouldn't be driving. 

It isn't like saying "man, that guy is a crappy walker!" because a disability prevents someone from walking.

He isn't going to accidentally walk into someone and kill them. He can accidentally crash into someone and kill them.

 

Hesterlicious

Was the service dog driving for him?

A crappy driver shouldn't get a pass if they are disabled. If you are too disabled to drive safely then you shouldn't be driving.

Was he alone in the van?

ReeseFox

RondackHiker:

Coworkers and I went to lunch. On the way back, we were traveling behind a minivan that was swerving in and out of the lane, randomly slamming on the brakes, and generally being a sh!tty driver. We followed the van onto a highway, where the driver tried to merge onto a crowded 60mph highway at 15 mph.

One of my coworkers said something about a project we needed to work on when we got back to the office, and I joked, "yeah, as long as this guy doesn't cause a pile up and kill us all. He's the worst driver I've seen in a long time."

My coworker gasped and said "you can't say that! He's handicapped! He can't help it!"

The van had one of those disabled license plates, grab bars by the back, and a sticker that said "poodles make the best service dogs!".

I didn't, and still don't, feel like that driver should get a free pass because he or she has a handicap. The van nearly sideswept several cars. That's dangerous.

I did apologize to my coworker since he seemed so massively offended, but I'm not sure I was wrong.

Am I wrong for thinking this guy was a crappy driver? Or does he or she get a pass bc of the disability? For the record, I thought he or she was a bad driver before I noticed the handicap tag.

If his disability is such that it causes him to drive dangerously, then he shouldn't be driving at all. Or, his disability could have nothing to do with his driving and he just sucks. Either way, handicap plates don't exclude him from driving properly and you have every right to comment.

RondackHiker

I couldn't tell if he was alone. I actually debated calling it in despite my coworker's upset.

There was a cop car directly behind me so I assume the cop will handle it if needed.

msdrdg

Being disabled does not entitle you to be a crappy driver. 

How does your co-worker feel about all the elderly people who drive into farmer's markets and what not?  Should we not blame them and feel bad for them because they are old?

chiualover

What if the driver was having some medical problem?

I would have reported it. And, I also am handicapped.

RondackHiker

chiualover:

What if the driver was having some medical problem?
I would have reported it. And, I also am handicapped.

There was a police car behind us during the worst of the swerving, and it really would be impossible to miss.

Thanks guys! I am the easiest person to guilt trip and I wanted to make sure I wasn't being a douche.

chiualover

RondackHiker:

chiualover:

What if the driver was having some medical problem? I would have reported it. And, I also am handicapped.

There was a police car behind us during the worst of the swerving, and it really would be impossible to miss. Thanks guys! I am the easiest person to guilt trip and I wanted to make sure I wasn't being a douche.

You are far from a douche!

Glitter Pop

You are not wrong. If a person can't safely drive, then they shouldn't be behind the wheel.

nikip6454

No it doesn't make you terrible.  If the person is a bad driver, he is a bad driver and it doesn't matter if he is disabled or anything else.

RayRay007

I agree with everyone else, plus how do we know it wasn't someone else driving the vehicle or how do we know his disability had anything to do with his driving abilities?

DottyBlue

Also, handicap tags do not mean that the handicapped person is driving... my mother has handicap tags for my 85 year old grandmother who gave up her driver's license 7 years ago.  You said nothing wrong.  A crappy driver is a crappy driver

ThePolishHammer

You are not terrible. If someone is a bad driver to the point of being a danger to those around them, they should not be driving. This has nothing to do with a disability and everything to do with safety. 

Affable Elephant

Not terrible at all! That person is dangerous to everyone on the road!

Disneygeek77

No you are not terrible, not at all, but I kinda think your co-worker is an idiot. 

Mrs.adambabycakes

Handicapped or not, you should be able to drive safely.  Period.  Your co-workers comment was really dumb, given the circumstances.

Wufroggy79

If you can't drive, then you shouldn't be behind the wheel regardless of your condition.

acesup

it doesnt matter if he is disabled or not, he was a danger on the road. if his disability is what was impairing his driving abilities, then he should not be allowed to drive. 

MJHershey

Just like those who cannot see well enough to pass the BMV's test- they should also be held accountable for their driving skills and not get a license.