Since we emerged from Covid and resumed a normal driving pattern we are constantly dealing with all manner of reckless drivers. From people running red lights to drivers acting as if the highway was a life size model of a car racing video game, something seems to be changing on the roads here. So much anger has erupted that the new phrase “road rage” was coined to explain (excuse?) fights over driving.
I was reflecting on this yesterday and realized that the highways are one of the few places where we are amidst many other people and are expected to share the road with them. It is possible to avoid stores by having packages delivered, to never enter a religious gathering, to watch one’s own media device, to have one’s own bedroom and to use one’s own phone.
Sharing doesn’t seem innate as anyone who has had more than one child can attest. Still, over the years in constant encounters we do learn that we can’t always have our own way. Most of us shared rooms, phones, televisions and trips to the store. We unconsciously honed our sharing and patience skills. Both serve us well on crowded highways.
Unfortunately this awareness on my part won’t change others’ daredevil driving. That person behind me at a stop that says “No turn on red” will continue to honk at my compliance as I wait for the green. The video game racers will keep on startling me as they zoom around my car. All I can do is remain alert. My defensive driving skills are definitely being honed!
Saved By Words 
Yes, sadly it seems to, be life in the 21st century…..
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There too?
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Oh yes
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Driving seems to bring out the worst in people these days. Driving too fast, tailgating and running red lights are becoming common place.
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Driving is only safe with rules. Otherwise all these huge machines are very dangerous.
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Yes, so true!
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Make the driver behind you at the “No turn on red” sign” a happy honker by driving straight ahead on red. If a cop pulls you over, just tell him or her that you didn’t disobey the sign! 😀
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Excellent. I am afraid I would crack a smile and ruin the moment.
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I spent my life in Greater London driving under such conditions of impatience and outright rage. Fortunately, things are nowhere near as bad in Beetley. Our main problem is the amount of drivers well into their 90s, driving everywhere at 15 miles per hour. 🙂
When I venture back to the London area now, (rarely) it feels like I am on a Formula One circuit!
Best wishes, Pet.
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Here the combination of the slow ones and the speedsters complicates things. The slow ones seem to hog the middle lane of three causing the speedsters to slalom around them.
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Moving to the countryside has dispensed with this curse of urban living
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I am afraid that the country roads around here are awful. There is no real rural part of the state.
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Such a shame
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Indeed. But we do go north to Maine each summer for a real rural experience.
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Amen
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I have name for those rude drivers .
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Oh, sad to hear this. Be always careful Elizabeth🥰
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Thanks.
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I had my first ever instance of dealing with someone who had road rage earlier this year. I was sitting at a red light (probably about 10th in line), and some guy gently tapped me from behind. It was so light I didn’t even bother getting out of the car, thinking it didn’t leave a mark. The light turned green, and the guy got right on my butt. I moved to the other lane, thinking I’d avoid a jerk driver. He got alongside me and began mouthing obscenities. I was mystified. We went down the road, and he gradually eased over, forcing me onto the shoulder. He hopped out of the car, blistering mad, accusing me of running into him. It was honestly very bizarre. My wife thinks he was trying to scam me. It was still upsetting. I called the police after I got home, though I didn’t think quickly enough to write his license down.
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A truly terrifying incident. We are careful to avoid honking our horn afraid of just such craziness. It does sound as if he was trying to provoke you.
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This explains why we see more and more cars having dash cam cameras fitted!
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I was unaware of that except for police cars.
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They are very common here now and motorcyclists and cyclists often have cameras mounted on their helmets.
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Sadly we have the same here Elizabeth. You’re observations are correct there has been an isolation process taking place which has promoted selfishness, impatience & an entitlement in Western Society which is most concerning…
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I appreciate that you understood my concern went beyond traffic.
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I also blame car commercials on ‘fanning the fire’.
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Good point.
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And then there are the people yakking on their phones while they’re supposed to be driving. I can’t count the number of people over the years who have nearly sideswiped me. And then they get mad at me for honking to get their attention and let them know I’m there. Ugh.
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Or they wait until the light is yellow and then go leaving me at the red!
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