If someone asked you what turns you into the worst version of yourself, what would you say? For me, when I’m behind the wheel I find my patience tested. Things like a driver in the passing lane pacing the car to the right of them and tailgaters. Another driver cuts you off, traffic not moving, etc.
In all honesty – I hate driving. In my early driving years, I loved it. Getting behind the wheel was unbridled freedom. The world was an endless road that I would drive until I ran out of gas, money, or both. Today, if I’m driving by myself, getting in the car for a long drive is like getting trapped in a metal coffin for the next 6-8 hours.
Another major point, I dislike a lot of the vast amount of bad behavior deemed relatively normal behind the wheel. For example, as I drove through downtown Blacksburg, VA a Corvette tailgated so close I didn’t notice. When I realized it, all I could see was an inch of glass and the roof of his car. And I drive a car! (I was on a hill, too, but still that’s close!)
Louis CK did a skit on bad behavior while driving. A word of caution if you haven’t seen it, there is some language. To sum it up, would you say something to someone in an elevator that you might say behind the wheel? Probably not, and that’s his point.
Over the past year or so, I started a challenge. When I feel myself losing my cool on the road I try to think of a time when I did something unintentionally that may be upsetting to another driver. If you get cut off, have you cut someone else off? Was it intentional? How does the other driver know you didn’t intentionally cut them off?
When someone needs let into the lane I try to accommodate when possible. If someone wants to pass me, I get out of their way. I don’t expect others to reciprocate but when they do I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s kind of like that commercial a few years ago where a person opens the door for someone else, then they in turn hold a door for another person, etc. It was in-line with the “pay-it-forward” mindset.
Also, remember that when you lose your patience you risk your safety. Keep your focus – eyes and mind on the task at hand. It only takes a second to lose control, figuratively and literally. Additionally, the world will be a little better place when you check your patience.
