Yesterday, while trying to get out of downtown at 5:15 (mistake number 345 for the day!), I got stuck at a light for 10 minutes … 10 minutes!!! Needless to say, it ended an otherwise stressful day and gave me time to think about some of the driving things that really frustrate me (notice the lack of swear words … I used them all up in the car last night).
1. I am tired of people who let EVERYONE in before them: I love civility on the road. I teach it to my daughter. I am the one waiving to people who let me in. But sometimes people overdose on civility. For example, when you merge onto the freeway you are supposed to merge like a zipper (that’s what my driver’s training teach told me!), alternating cars from either side. Yet, sometimes a really “nice” driver will let car, after car, after car in. Leaving all the other cars swerving to avoid an accident!
2. People who pass for no real advantage: I don’t mind if someone passes me. Maybe their wife is having a baby. Maybe they forgot to pick up milk, dry cleaning, gift for her birthday. Those are emergencies. But don’t pass me at full speed if you are just going to have to stop at that red light 200 yards ahead, just like me. Maybe they like to stop at red lights early so they can read their email?
3. People who camp out in parking lots waiting for a spot: I think at the health club people have a parking spot reserved like their club locker because they literally park in the road sideways, waiting for “their” spot, blocking the entire road for anyone else. I’m going to have to get my own reserved spot at the club, at Target and at the grocery store!
I’m sure you can think of a few more. How about the people who go so slow through a light that you are forced to miss it but they get through? Or how about the person who cuts in front of you only to immediately put their foot on their brake pedal? Or maybe, the people who bought cars without blinkers!
In any case, as my daughter is learning to drive, these are a few of the things we watch and discuss. Here’s what I said to her about defensive driving, “Look honey, just pretend that every other car has a driver that is either drunk or just snorted a line and they just have no idea what they are doing on the road. That’s how you have to be thinking.” Ok, maybe a bit harsh, but it will definitely make her watch the drivers around her!
Have a safe day!
theyearof50 