None of Us Own the Road - Drop Your Ego

Everybody thinks they can drive. A lot of them are wrong. And with growing populations, distracting new vehicles, and generations of handed-down bad driving habits… the issue seems to be hitting critical mass. So how did it happen? And how are so many drivers so lousy at something they do everyday?

The rulebook??

Folks didn’t read it. They touched the cover and said, “I got this.” And unfortunately, our DMVs let it slide… with most only requiring a pulse and a blurry photo to hand-out launch clearance. Meanwhile, drivers are piloting thousands of pounds of steel, glass, and compressed poor decisions at highway speeds… in vehicles with more distractions than ever. In America, our driver’s tests & driving requirements need serious attention. And adding more nanny devices, more cameras, less passing zones, and lower speed limits is NOT a solution. It’s only catering to the lowest common denominator, punishing the capable, and exasperating the epidemic of poor, distracted drivers. But there’s another issue at play, which also seems to be worsening – ego.

Driver ego…

Is it egotistical or inconsiderate… or both? The idea that the road is yours alone. And that yielding, moving over, or admitting you might be wrong is some kind of character flaw. Spoiler: It isn’t. The flaw is thinking the left lane was built for you. Lane discipline is a team sport. The left lane is for passing. That’s the law. It’s not debatable or interpretable. You don’t get to camp in the left lane pacing a semi because you didn’t like the vibe of someone approaching in your mirror… and call it “defensive driving.” That’s not defense. That’s obstruction with cruise control. And you’re playing police officer. When a driver blocks the passing lane, everyone else starts improvising lane changes trying to figure out which idiot is holding court. Traffic ripples, brakes slam, chaos ensues, and a potentially dangerous situation is created because of one driver’s ego and/or unawareness.

@jess_e_from_tennessee Yes @whoshughes757 ♬ original sound – Jessica Ewton

Truckers don’t Get a Pass Either…

Governed at 65, trying to pass each other uphill like two elephants trudging to the same watering hole. I respect the job, and I understand momentum. But some of y’all are force-passing like two freight trains trying to overtake each other. You’re both topped-out. Neither of you are gaining a usable lead. Just two semis side-by-side, for miles, moving past each other at a speed difference measurable only in micrometers. Meanwhile, the rest of us are stacking up behind, with heightening frustration that leads to heightened risk. You’re aware of it, but you frankly don’t care. And that’s the definition of self-centered, inconsiderate driving.

2-wheels riders…

Motorcyclists: I admire the skill of a good rider. A well-ridden bike is poetry in motion. The problem – too many riders are out there thinking they’re writing poetry… when they’re really just scribbling. And cyclists? It’s the same energy. I love the fitness dedication. But I hate the dedication to being in everyone’s way… like it’s a lifestyle choice. Sharing the road works both ways. Bikes are cool. Riders can be insanely skilled. Cyclists are admirably committed. But some of you are riding like the road is your personal waterslide, or your own private spin-class. And then you get mad when a car matches your inconsideration.

It’s not a bike vs car argument, it’s a people vs accountability argument. For motorcyclists, lane filtering at reasonable speeds is fine. However, lane splitting at triple-digits while traffic around you is moving at 60mph? That’s FAFO territory. Then, when something goes wrong, the mantra starts: “Look twice, save a life.” My brother in Christ. I did look twice. You weren’t there. You were in the DLC pack that hadn’t loaded yet. If you want drivers to respect stopping distances, blind spots, and closing speeds – cool. That means you (in turn) respect visibility, lane predictability, and not appearing out of thin air.