Road Rage

 

I just thought I would take some time to talk about other people's driving. I realize I am getting to the age where I could easily fall into the category of what I am about to describe. I usually soften my opinion when writing but I couldn't seem to manage that with this post. I think you will understand what I mean when you start to read my words. I like to think of myself as a non-road rager, but there are some days where I am frustrated. So here goes, I hope you can relate to some of your driving frustration in some of my descriptions.   

Slow turners. I just want people to turn a corner at a reasonable speed, I don't think that is too much to ask. It is not necessary to slow down to barely moving a block ahead to prepare for the turn. Put your single light on, slow down and make an efficient and timely turn, you will be okay. 

Slow to very slow drivers. If there is someone going 30 or 40 kms in a 50 or 60 km zone, you can bet I am trapped behind them. I realize they have all the time in the world, but the speed limit is put in place for a reason, so people will drive at that speed. What is even more frustrating is when trapped at a slower speed you miss every single green light, absolutely every one. The only time you might see the slow-moving car speed up as if they want to make the green light, or more like amber or red by the time they get there. For some reason, I equate slow driving as unsure driving, with elderly drivers. If you are unsure or it is too much for you, just hang the keys up. We have all said at some point in time, "slow drivers are a hazard".

Red light runners. Oh, my goodness it is getting ugly out there. The danger is real, people are running red lights like crazy. I'm not sure when an amber light meant speed up half a block away and it's okay to go through on a red light. Last I checked an amber light meant stop so the people trying to turn, can clear the intersection. If you are the person turning, you can never assume that the person is going to stop just because they have a red light. 

Bumper riders. I have to admit, depending on my mood, I may drive very close, to the people going 30 in a 50 km zone. For some reason, in my head, it seems that if I get close they will see me and understand they need to pick up speed. Rarely does that work, but I do see it done often. Usually, in the long trail of cars behind the slow driver. But, when I am going the speed limit and maybe a wee bit more, don't ride my bumper. Especially if we are on the highway doing over 100 kms, there will be a passing lane soon or you will simply have to wait until it is safe to pass. 

Traffic lights that aren't synchronized. Eighteenth Street in Brandon is wicked. It is so bad in some ways; I can see why people run the red light. I'm not sure if this only happens to me but if I have lots of time, I manage to get a lot of green lights. If I am running late, you can bet there will be a series of events. The slow driver, just missing green lights, and let's not forget the people crossing at the crosswalks, crossing on a "don't walk" or my personal favorite wherever they want to cross. It can just be chaos trying to get from Point A to point B.

Using the phone while driving.  Let's just remember, "THAT'S ILLEGAL". So why do I see people doing it? In my condo area it is obvious that driving down my street towards 9th Street is the perfect time to catch up on phone messages. I believe seeing people reading their phone and driving is the thing that brings out the worst in me. I guess it is because they are oblivious to the driving world around them. There are such horrific accidents that are a result of people looking at their phones. Either pull over if the message is urgent, or just wait until you are stopped at your destination or home to check on that important text. Any message, no matter how important it is, will wait until you and the people around you are safe. 

The non-signal light users. The moment is here when I write about the people who don't utilize the apparatus on the left-hand side of the steering wheel, the signal light. I feel it is important that drivers use it, so it is not a mystery to the people trying to drive around them. When I am waiting on a vehicle at a corner, and just before they get to me, they do one of two things. They put their signal light on and turn, or they just turn. At that point, I think, seriously did that just happen. There is a flip side, and I may just fall into the category of signaling too soon. At least the traffic is aware of my plan to turn, whenever that plan may happen.  

Non-cruise-control-user.  Highway driving at 110 km/hr is a privilege. If you can't drive at that speed, please don't be out there. The 110 km highways are to keep the traffic moving quickly. If you are the person that travels anywhere from 90-120 km all within a few kms, it is evident you're not using your cruise. I know this because you have passed me and slowed down, I have passed you and you have sped up. If for some reason I can't use my cruise control I am up and down the speedometer like a crazy woman. There is zero speed consistency with me unless I am using my cruise control.   

The rule followers. If the speed limit is 100 km, they are going 100 kms. If it is 50 kms, they are going 50 kms. Sometimes a couple of kms under just to be on the safe side. I am a couple of kms over just to be on the safe side. When you are following a rule follower for some reason you never get to the speed limit. 

I have to admit there are days when I shouldn't be behind the wheel of a vehicle. I am hoping everyone feels like that. It is truly amazing there aren't more accidents. Just imagine if we all took to the streets on a bad driving day what a catastrophe could happen. There are times I wonder about people's confidence when they are driving. I know I will not be driving in some places where the traffic is too busy and going to fast for my comfort level. I am a horrible merger and I will do anything not too merge. My point is I am aware of my driving limitations. I just wonder when I see the people I have described, driving, are they aware? You have to admire them, if they are confident that they can do it. At least they aren't nervous. 

I hope you have enjoyed my little driving rant. Overall, I am usually a patient driver, because I am retired, and I have all the time in the world to get where I am going. But there are those days when I can't seem to muster up the tolerance to watch how some people drive.  

Let's just end this by saying, Drive Safely.