Here's Why You Might Distance Yourself from Boise Minivan Drivers

Of all the people on Treasure Valley roads, you'd think these folks would be the safest behind the wheel, but no.

Back in the '90s, people associated this driver and one particular vehicle with safety, responsibility, and even reliability. Unless you were stuck behind them on a day when you had to be somewhere by a certain time, many of us were comforted by the sight of a mom in a minivan.

That was then. This is now. Before you come for me, I'm not saying every mother who operates a minivan is a terrible driver. The majority I've encountered around the valley, however, are.

Listen, I get it. I'm exhausted, too. And like many minivan moms, I have kids, a career, bills to pay, and traffic to deal with on a daily basis. But friends, we have to draw the line somewhere.

The other day, I was headed south at the red light on Ten Mile and McMillan when I was nearly side-swiped by a mom in a minivan.

When she pulled up to the red beside me, she was facing the back of the minivan. She shot me a "my bad" glance as her cell was nestled in the crook of her shoulder and she was opening a Lunchable for one of her littles in tow.

As I sat there waiting for the light to change, I took in the sight of her. She really was exhausted, so I returned her "my bad" look with my best attempt at a "no harm, no foul-face," a moment before the light turned green.

For as much as I can identify with her, the truth is she almost hit me with my own kid in tow. And that's not okay. I can't tell you how many encounters I've had with distracted and exhausted minivan moms since I moved to the valley nearly 10 years ago.

While it's not my lane to explain or qualify the actions of a stranger, I did find an interesting study that not only corroborates my experiences, it also elaborates on why many moms with or without minivans, are the way they are behind the wheel. Check it out here.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the issue! Feel free to email me at ryan.valenzuela@townsquaremedia.com!