Mary Jane Owen Columnist

Righteous road rage

  I doubt that I can seriously defend this, but that isn’t going to stop me from making a point. What makes others think that just because a person such as myself is OLD that I cannot drive? Fact is, I may be a better driver (and may others of my generation) than younger folks might think. And even if that is not so, what gives you the right to honk your horn, use your middle finger to gesture, cutting me off, among other untoward things simply because you are unhappy with my driving? 

  Let’s start with the fact that it is bad manners. Regrettably, my perception is that this behavior is more likely to occur among late 20 and 30 something age folks. To those of you this age who mind your manners and are kind to your elders, I most sincerely apologize. I am quite aware that I’m over generalizing and stereotyping you, but I’m reporting my perceptions.

  Another reason for my outrage is that your actions may cause me to become disoriented and lead to trouble. Blowing your horn for some inexplicable reason frightens me to the point that I fear I may make a driving mistake that can end in disaster. When you blast your horn, I’m trying to figure out what the heck I’ve done while at the same time, making every effort to regain my senses and stop my rapid pulse rate.

  I try to be careful which means that I drive the speed limit, pay attention to the road signs, and speed up when there is a minimum speed. I stop at all “stop” signs, don’t’ pass on the yellow line. I remain several car lengths as often as I can behind a moving vehicle, I allow others to enter my lane when that is appropriate and will expedite movement of traffic, I use my blinkers when turning or changing lanes, I wait my turn at a four-way stop, I pull over when I hear approaching emergency vehicles. I look both ways when I make turns. In short I make every effort to drive safely. I may make mistakes, but I really try to be alert and aware. So what is the problem

  So, what am I going to do about it when I’m “dissed” (disrespected for my fellow seniors)? I’ve acknowledged my hysterical hand gestures, but let me provide you with an example of what I did recently.

  Several months ago, I stopped by Chick-fil-A, ordered my sandwich, pulled to the window, waiting my turn, accepted my change, drink, and sandwich. I paused a just a moment before pulling forward, just a moment, mind you to put my drink in the cup holder and get my change put up, when a young woman who happened to have a child in her car blasted me with a 100 decibel horn from her Escalade. So, I pulled forward only slightly, not far enough for her to pull to the window, stopped, and walked to the car and said, “Young lady, you have modeled very inappropriate behavior for your own child and just as unfortunately, you have dishonored your mother because doubtless she taught you better. You will age yourself one day and your reflexes may not be so quick on the trigger so I remind you that in the future, it might pay you to exercise better judgment, better manners and better time management!” I did not wait for her reaction, but returned to my car and left so that she could get her food and go about her business.

  If you tailgate me and there is no minimum speed limit, I’m going to slow down to 20 mph and let you stew as you go to wherever you are going in such a hurry. It may irritate you, but it might make you think about your dangerous driving habits. My arsenal for combating another’s bad behavior is limited but I’m going to respond as safely as I can. So if you blow your horn and I’m driving along trying to enjoy the scenery, obeying the laws, navigating through our busy highways, be assured that I’ll let you know. My children warn me that I’m going to get shot and I may. My funeral arrangements are already made but YOU just could wind up in jail.

 

  Mary Jane Owen is a veteran educator. She has two children, one grandson and is a member of the McDonough Presbyterian Church. She’s an avid Braves fan, reads, writes, and gardens.