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Keller @ Large: Some Drivers Still Don't Use Common Sense

BOSTON (CBS) - All weekend long, we heard it again and again from the governor and other officials – "use your common sense."

Listen to Jon's commentary:

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According to the dictionary, that means "the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way."

And during an intense winter storm and its immediate aftermath, what could be more basic than knowing that it's best if you stay off the roads, for your own safety, the safety of others, and to allow snow removal to take place unhindered?

Thankfully, most people do have common sense. If that weren't the case, can you imagine what driving around here would be like?

But too many do not. They are the reason the governor imposed a travel ban on Friday, a scare tactic that appeared to deter most of the common-sense-free crowd.

But now it's Monday, and as we the people return to the roads in full force, here they come again.

Start with the folks who figure their route to work should be back to midsummer standards by now, don't leave extra time for the commute, and quickly descend into road rage when they encounter traffic jams. They are the ones who will see the right hand-lane left open because it is blocked up ahead by snowdrifts, zip along as if they're beating the rest of us, then cut you off when they realize they have to merge.

Move on to the drivers like the one I saw yesterday, driving too fast in still-hazardous conditions with the phone glued to his ear.

Really, that call just couldn't wait?

And of course, my all-time favorites, the drivers who, 48 hours after the last flakes fell, still cannot be bothered to fully clear their vehicle of snow and ice. Just pray you're not stuck behind them when it all comes crashing down.

It's a blessing that most of us do have common sense, and use it.

It's a shame that we're all held hostage to the behavior of the few who were inexplicably born without any.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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