The Voice Of The Road

In my first years as a licensed driver I often wished I could mount one of those scrolling marquee's to the front and back of my car and exclaim to other drivers just what I thought about their motor vehicle operating skills. Years later I bought my Jeep Wrangler, took the top off and started verbalising my vitriol when I learned quickly that letting other drivers hear what you think is seldom a good thing. Then a few months ago I was introduced to PlateWire.com:

PlateWire is a public repository and electronic forum of drivers by drivers. Using a drivers license plate, commuters can communicate their thoughts and feelings in regards to driving on today's roadways.
Read More...

Put simply, you punch in a license plate number and attach a comment. Anonymous postings are required and not every report needs to be about road rage. You can also point out a courteous driver, flirt with the cutie in that VW you followed though traffic yesterday or warn the guy in the econoline his right rear tire is about to fall off.

I check my license plate number on platewire every so often to see if someone thinks I've been a jerk driver or if my muffler has been dragging behing me. I wish everyone would check the database now and then because I think that if people didn't feel so isolated and anonymous in their vehicles, they'd be more likely to interact on the roads the way people do when face to face - just as I did when I started driving my Jeep with the top down.

Check out the two most recent posts from my home state about random drivers:

Ute Alum Friday, March 30, 2007

As a fellow University of Utah alum, I noticed your license plate border. Very snazzy. Sorry if I came too close behind you (I didn't think I was that close). You waved me around you, then gave me a look that said I was obviously missing half of my brain. Maybe I am; I don't get it. You confused me.
Sorry if I came too close, but I don't think I deserved your incredulous look.

reckless driver Sunday, April 01, 2007

Reckless driver in Draper,Ut nearly ran over two kids near the Draper park 4/1/07 Sunday at 1:30pm. Sped around stopped traffic for kids in a crosswalk. Driver and car found at golf course. Draper police impounded car for no insurance. Found marijuana in the car. Plate # 452NFD Toyota Cambry. The doped up jerk could have killed those kids. I hope the judge nails him!