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The "Coronado" Video Game I Play Every Morning

I have a secret. I am a 46 year old woman who plays a video game every morning while driving my kids to school. I know I shouldn't, but I don't have a choice. Really, I don't. I have to play it.

So, here's how it goes. I leave the Naval Amphibious Base and head up the Strand. I'm just turning the video game on and it takes a little time to load, so at this point I laugh and joke with the kids, talk about their day ahead, and what after school activities they'll have on that day.

When I pass the Del, the game is up and running so I put my game face on. My eyes are darting left, right, left. My attention is 100%. Tenth and Orange is where I meet my first opponent. Teenager on a bike, coming directly at me on Orange Avenue. Not on the sidewalk or in the median, but coming directly in my lane AT ME....I can do this, I know it. She doesn't even flinch as my minivan goes by her, ever so close to her bare arms and helmet-less head. But I am watching, so I'm good. She's fine.

I make a left on 9th, head toward H. Opponents right in front of me. Three kids, two with helmets, one with helmet on arm. Riding their bikes on the right side of the lane, as they should. They are trying to trick me. As I pass, I am ready for anything. It's a good thing too because right as I am about to pass girl on bike veers to the left to cross the lanes to say hi to her friend on the other side. Brakes applied, I'm still winning this video game. Your dirty look as I drive by does not deter me. I am still in it to win it.

I'm approaching the school now and this is the most treacherous part of the game. Multiple opponents on foot, on bikes and in cars with grown ups to help them. But, as I've said, I have my game face on. 4-way stop. Car parked in sidewalk to block my view-but I know those bikes are there and just when I think I can go....swoosh! Little one on bike darts through with mom a few steps behind. No "oh my gosh, thanks for seeing him" She just pedals by. That's ok, I don't need a thank you, so you go ahead. I'm winning this game anyway.

The cars stopped in the street and kids getting out in the middle of the street running in between cars don't even faze me because this is not new....it happens all the time. Easy peasey. Don't worry guys, I'm watching so they are fine. Just around the corner there are several 5th grade curbside hosts available to safely walk your child to school, but I get it. You are on the other side of the street and can't be bothered. So, go ahead....I'm playing the game, I'm watching so they are fine.

Rounding the corner I head to the end of the video game. I wait for the texting teenager crossing the street. I nearly hit the mom with the two little ones who cross in front of my car in the middle of the block. She sheepishly looks down and I know she feels badly...the crossing guard is a half a block away and she knows she should do the right thing....but she's late. It's ok, go ahead....I'm playing the game so you are fine.

I head back down the Strand feeling victorious. A little stressed out, but I think that's normal after playing an intense video game.

Here's the problem though. What if I wasn't playing the game? What if I was distracted because I'm behind schedule? What if I blew through that intersection so I could get my kids to school on time. What if I was texting or talking on the phone? What if I was looking down when you sent your kid across the street mid-block?

Tags: community, schools

7 members like this

Comment by eCoronado on September 12, 2012 at 11:42am: We play the game too both driving and riding bikes. Thanks for being alert! A well-written post, thanks for sharing.

Comment by Madison W. on September 12, 2012 at 12:21pm: There are days when unfortunately I have to drive the roughly 3 blocks to school! I cringe every time I head down 5th as I know the crossover on Orange will be packed 3 deep. I have learned to drop my kids off the stop sign on G as the triple parking in front of CMS is horrendous. I am amazed at the stupidity of the local kids that do not wear helmets or don't even bother to buckle their helmets, it only takes one accident before your child is either seriously injured or in a wheelchair for life! The area around the schools is just too small to set up an adequate car pool.

Comment by Jimmy on September 12, 2012 at 1:33pm: Great post. Mornings are the worst, but, unfortunately, I find that I have to play this game every time I drive in Coronado.

Comment by Tracey mains on September 12, 2012 at 9:29pm: Well written ! My husband and I were having a less eloquent conversation on the same subject today. Cyclists who ride on road then divert across the road on pedestrian crossings to save a few minutes began our conversation. Followed by my diving into hedges to avoid being run over by bikes whilst walking on the pavement by adults and children. Plus a neighbour pushing a buggy needing to swerve to avoid collision.
What are the rules regarding cycling on Coronado ?? Are there any courses to teach cycling safety ? In the UK there are courses in the schools run by the local authorities leading to certificates allowing safe cycling on the roads. Keep safe everyone.

Comment by Madison W. on September 13, 2012 at 5:57am: I totally agree with the above comment, I can't even walk my dog along the sidewalk without getting mowed down by bikers. I think from here on out I am going to stand my ground and not step aside anymore for people on bikes riding on sidewalks. I can understand if it is a parent with a small child who obviously does not want to ride with the child on the street, but from here on out I am not going to move for bikers!

Comment by Denise Boucher on September 13, 2012 at 10:00am: As someone in a wheelchair, I am forced to moved into the grass for MANY cyclists, walkers and runners. Drives me bananas - especially when they are 2-3 across with friends and won't go single-file. And honestly, overall, the kids are better than the adults. (My chair does not go faster than a brisk walk so I am not driving crazy)

Staff Comment by Kellee Hearther on September 13, 2012 at 2:11pm: Deanna, This is a well written and entertaining post, but with a very valuable lesson. Whether we are pedestrians on foot, riding a bicycle or driving our car, we all need to remember to stay alert, watch for others, share the road. You are so right that a tiny distraction could lead to tragedy. I really believe that those in cars should NOT be on the phone and should have their windows rolled down, at least half way, so they can hear what is going on around them when they are near the schools. I can only hope that everyone is "winning the game" like you are.

Comment by Diane Skiff on September 14, 2012 at 10:35pm: I said to my 12 year old this morning...it's like driving in Paris, remember? Eight lanes and hundreds of people on scooters. It surely requires our utmost attention and care so that every kid gets to school and home from school safely. My worry is, that many of the kids do not follow the rules for riding bikes. Many are going down the street the wrong way, don't stop at stop signs, and weave in and out of traffic. You can be incredibly diligent, but when you're up against them not adhering to the law, you can't predict what is going to happen.
I agree that a bicycle safety course for kids should be given in each grade. Repetition is a great way to learn, and may save an accident waiting to happen.

Comment by Dani Schwartz on September 17, 2012 at 9:48am: So well written Deanna, thank you! I ride bikes with my son to and from Village each day. He's small and on a little bike so I know he can't always be seen around cars. I stay close to him, follow the rules, and continually teach him the rules of the road (as a bike is considered a vehicle). He chooses and wants to ride in the street on the right side of the road. My only pet peeve (and I don't fault the crossing guards who practically put their lives on the line when they step out with their Stop signs at 7th & Orange) is that going home on 7th, towards Pomona from the school, we are "required" to go over to their side of the street so they can cross us in the crosswalk. The first few days we stayed on the right/proper side of the road and rode across Orange when safe (and usually when they'd stopped the traffic for others); but then one of them told me that they couldn't legally cross us because we weren't in their cross walk. We've tried a few different ways to get us to their side and we're still working on the perfect solution. I believe, after hearing Chief Scanlon speak once about bike safety (I hope I have his name right), that cross-walks and their implied safety are for pedestrians walking, or WALKING your bike across; otherwise bikes follow vehicle rules of the road. Stay alert and safe everyone! (Preachin' to the choir as usual :-)