I drive approximately 30 miles round trip each day, not a terrible commute by any means. However, I do happen to travel one of the worst highways in my state, the dreaded I25 Corridor. Luckily, I drive North on 25 which is a much better experience then South to the Tech Center, which coincidentally, I did for several years when I worked at CORRA. So all things considered, I certainly cannot complain as when it comes to commuting, I've got it pretty easy compared to a lot of my fellow Denver Metro Area inhabitants who drive from Boulder to the Tech Center or from Confier to Denver, etc...etc....none of which I'd willingly sign up for.
Unfortunately though, I do have a gripe and that is the seemingly exceedingly recklessness and impatience that seems to accompany my drive each day. Primarily from other sources, though I find myself wanting to flip the bird on occasion and there is most definitely a barrage of choice words that flow out of my mouth when my blood starts to boil. I'm just sort of in shock with how completely careless and unruly the individuals I have to share the road with seem to be, and it just sort of gets worse and worse.
If I don't move quickly enough off the starting line when the light turns green, there is impatient and overly-eager honking. Ruthlessly cutting off of other drivers by some blockhead who is certain his schedule is more important than yours. Tail-gating in snowy weather by the ever infamous SUV who's driver seems convinced that 4-wheel drive can and will allow a vehicle to drive at a high velocity of speed in terrible conditions without any risk; inevitably ending up in the ditch. The irritable soccer Mom with 3 screaming children and a head-ache doing 45 on the highway, on drive pavement who flips YOU the bird when you pass her. The person who has to STOP completely to turn into a shopping mall entry or on a side street.
It's pretty astonishing and on most days, I manage to not feel panicky or even react to this sort of thing. It's like taxes and dishes, it's a pain in my ass but a part of life that must be dealt with. But this whole honking at the stop light thing has to stop, it's really....really...REALLLY freaking obnoxious, really people. REALLY! I am not talking like honking cuz I'm not paying attention, I'm talking honking because I am not the first off the line and some woman behind me is in such a freaking hurry that those 2 extra seconds are going to make the world of difference in her day.
We are all busy people, but starting a road rage incident or worse; dying because you are trying to make it to your 7:30 AM Tuesday Staff Meeting or your kid's soccer game or to the airport or whatever hardly seems worth the anxiety and stress. Slow it down kids. We'll all get there when we get there and your impatience and dangerous behavior isn't going to speed it up any. Really, I'd just like to GET where I'm going and not be harassed or endangered along the way.
And please, for Pete's Sake, the next time you feel like honking at someone at a stop light, put a lid on it. The life you save may be your own. gr.
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