Enspiar

My Writings. My Thoughts.

Take it, to the limit. For safety…or something.

// February 3rd, 2010 // No Comments » // General

If I were to say that a majority of people who drive on the roads today (and I single out those people driving on roads because there are, yes, people who drive on sidewalks), drive over the speed limit by an average of 5 – 10mph you would agree with me. This isn’t backed up by any statistics, but just my observation. You’ve probably observed (if not, actually do) this.

In an effort to reduce stress, I decided that I would drive the posted speed limit at all times. The only exceptions here are if I need to slow or speed up to let someone merge, to avert an accident, or to pass someone if I was blocking traffic.

So far, the stress reduction is amazing. Most of the time, I’m the only one on the road that’s driving the speed limit. I just hop on the freeway, set the cruise control, listen to my music, and never have to change lanes to pass anyone. It’s great! There is one caveat to all of this, and that’s why I’m writing this blog post…

There are those people out there that are figuratively patting me on the back right now saying, “Well done. You’re driving the speed limit. Now you’re being responsible and safe! Those limits are there for a reason!” You know, the typical lecture from someone who thinks they know everything about driving safety yet they’ll habitually drive in the left lane going 5mph under the limit while signaling left for 4 miles?

Well here’s a news flash: Even while obeying all the typical laws and unwritten courtesy rules, such as slower traffic keeping right, allowing people to merge, pass etc, driving the speed limit isn’t any more safe than keeping up with the flow of traffic! People consistently get upset with you, cut you off, and do a host of other unsavory things to show their disgust for your rebel attempt at not conforming.

What’s so amazing about this is that 100% of the time there was absolutely no point for it. I wasn’t blocking traffic, I wasn’t restricting someone from merging, I wasn’t driving in the left lane backing up traffic for a mile. In all cases, the persons could easily just pass. What it really comes down to is a disregard for others.

Anyways, if you see a black ‘09 Jetta cruising down the road, obeying the law (and being “safe”), make sure to flick me off as you pass, and try to take out my front quarter panel. I’ll simply smile, wave, and get back to my chilled out commute as you crusade through traffic only to arrive 30 seconds faster than me. Cheers.