Have you ever seen something that really bothered you, and wanted to talk to the offender, but could not? Like when someone throws trash out their car window. You really just want take them by the hand, have them pick it up, and dispose of it properly. You want to but they are in their car and you are in yours.

Or suppose someone has done something they really should not but you know that if you speak to them you will only start a fight. Maybe an adult has been harsh with a child in public. You want to intervene but are afraid it will just make it worse.

Combine those two situations: they are wrong, you can’t get to them, and if you did it would just create a problem. I fill with anger and frustration every time I see a child in a car that is not buckled up.

Hey, if you, as the driver don’t want to be safe, so be it. But, please do not foist that on your children.

Recently, I sat in my car watching a mom (or grand mom) place an infant on the passenger seat and drive away. I sat there feeling totally helpless. The next morning I went to the Natchez Police Department and asked what I could do. It turns out I am not the only one bothered by this problem. I was given a packet of information. Included was a card with the law, a flier about booster seats, stickers, but my favorite item was a postcard.

If you observe a Mississippi vehicle with an unbuckled child you simply fill out the postcard with the information on the incident. Mail the postcard at no cost. The owner of the vehicle will be sent a note stating they were spotted driving with an unbuckled child and what the law requires. A gentle reminder, no fight, anonymous. Postcards are available by calling 1-800-9Buckle.

Well, that’s one problem solved. Now back to saving the Crape Myrtles.

Susan McKinley

Natchez resident