Driving Miss Crazy shoots straight

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DrivingmisscrazyJust how Birmingham News “Driver’s Side” traffic columnist Ginny MacDonald settled on the handle Driving Miss Crazy is something of a mystery. But like the friendship that evolved between the black chauffeur and the elderly Jewess in the film the handle plays on, the moniker smacks of a magnificent sense of humor. And that’s something all drivers can use, whether they’re in the front seat – or the back.

MacDonald recently packed a post with insight on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s frequent review of the hours of service rules. “Truck drivers are required to get a certain amount of rest during each driving shift. Driving Miss Crazy would be more specific,” she wrote, referring to her pen name, “but the federal government has been juggling the actual number of required hours to travel time for years, so it’s a little difficult to keep track of what’s what.”

“Amen to that,” you might be saying.

A veteran reporter and longtime columnist of the weekly “Driver’s Side” feature, MacDonald serves often as a trucking interpreter for motorists, many of whom as you well know can benefit from knowing more about the challenges truckers face.

MacDonald’s May 16 column described the benefits of “Jason’s Law,” reintroduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko in early May. She points out that all drivers and motorists should be alert: “Let’s hope Congress reacts favorably. Sleepy truckers are as scary as distracted soccer moms.”

MacDonald is a popular columnist. She’s been interviewed by local radio stations regarding traffic issues in the Birmingham metro area, and answers readers’ questions about traffic lights, lanes and laws. Two years ago she spoke as one of the panelists at a statewide distracted driving summit.

In addition to reading her columns, you can joint her for a live chat to voice a trucking perspective at 1 p.m. every Monday, the same day her column is published, here–Lucinda Coulter