City Streets Part 1

I don’t have a need for road rage; I do quite well with simple road irritation, or sometimes even road bemusement.

I drive like you are all out to get me, and it sure seems some days like you are. Oh yeah, I will curse loudly and enthusiastically after being cut off, but l think that is just a lingering habit. If you signal left and then turn right, I’ll just be shaking my head and laughing; I expect that sort of thing. If you approach the intersection I am sitting at with your signal on, I will be waiting to be sure you are actually at least slowing for the turn, ‘cause l know you may just want to mess with my head, and possibly my fender.

Besides, whatever idiocy you exhibit, I probably have done it myself at some time. I am a fairly good driver by all accounts, but must admit to the occasional bone-head vehicular maneuver, pissing people off. I have found that nothing irritates that scowling, fist shaking motorist more than flashing them a huge smile and a friendly wave.
Yes…. friendly; as in using ALL your fingers.

For a brief but memorable time I worked as a driving instructor. Donning my super cape I set out, confidant that I could make sure the roads were just a little safer by educating folks how to be great drivers…yup yup. In reality, by the time people actually pay someone to teach them how to drive, they have already explored the do-it-yourself method and failed; repeatedly. Their dad, cousin, sister, and the neighbour have all already thrown their hands up and sent them off to get professional help.
Hiring a professional driving instructor also implies guaranteed success; if they pay for lessons they expect stunning results. I quickly learned that l needed to hang up the cape, to simply teach them how to pass the test, stay alive and not kill anyone.

When I was a kid, dad would pile us all in the car for a Sunday drive. I never just ‘go for a drive’ anymore. I am not sure anyone still does. If you see me driving by, I am definitely on my way TO somewhere. If you see me, give me a big smile and a friendly wave. You know how.