As someone who has been in their fair share of vehicle mishaps and accidents – I’m pretty much a stickler for traffic laws and safety.
And due to those experiences, I’m also somewhat of a pain to drive or ride around with.
When I’m behind the wheel, I completely refuse to even start the car until everyone has their seatbelts on – unless it’s over 65 degrees and sunny outside, which means I have to turn on the AC.
I draw the line at starting the car at unbearably hot weather, but, I’ll still refuse to put the vehicle in motion until everyone is buckled up.
Plus, I don’t speed or answer my phone when driving – that includes phone calls and text messages.
And sure, not doing so might anger whoever tries to contact me, but I don’t care about their hurt feelings since I’d rather arrive at my destination safely.
If I’m caught at a train crossing and am parked then I might answer my phone, but, those instances are few and far between since I know that most of our train woes happen around specific times – like school drop-off and pick-up times or right in the middle of the day around lunch.
The least annoying traffic issue I honestly have is with trains because they’ve got tracks they’re supposed to stay on and since I’m not distracted by other deterrents in my car I can make the most of the time waiting.
However, it also seems like I’m in the minority when it comes to trains or traffic safety at all – especially during the holiday season.
Unfortunately, I have double-digit proof that other drivers aren’t keen on sharing the road and are more selfishly driven by their agendas.
My mom and I are both noticing how increasingly problematic others are on the road as we near Christmas.
I think the worst part is that it isn’t just drivers on the road, it’s also those who are circling the parking lot looking for the best parking spots, too.
The scariest part is seeing the accounts of road rage where someone uses a gun to shoot at another vehicle and driver.
I don’t understand why it has to get to that degree of retaliation and unchecked behavior, but it also makes mom and me more conscious of our interactions in major cities like Houston.
Locally, the most I do aimed at another driver is honk or proudly display my middle finger salute – but all of that only matters depending on the infraction.
And now that I’ve got my air conditioner fixed, I can keep my windows rolled up and can sometimes throw a few choice curse words at them between singing along to my favorite songs.
At best, forgetting a turn signal, riding my bumper, or swerving into my lane, is a honk situation, but almost hitting me or running me off the road is definitely a finger moment.
Those responses might not be in line with the holiday season, but the other offender isn’t being very jolly and merry either by behaving that way.
Maybe we all should take the time to work on our schedules and remember that they aren’t the only ones with family, friends, and other loved ones to spend time with this December.
