Road Rage

Sometimes things aren’t what they seem to be. Our experiences taint our perceptions. Our view of ourselves and others affects how we see things. I think this gives order to our world. It can also make us very wrong when we deal with circumstances.

Last week I was late to work because I had a certain view of the world. If I held a different view I would have been early enough for a cup of coffee and a few words with the girls before I clocked in. I had a good excuse for being late, but ultimately it was my view of the world that betrayed me and made me late.

I’m tooling to Enfield at my regular “look at the scenery” clip. I just achieve the speed limit North of Norris City when a car passes me and the driver starts tapping the brakes. I figure I must have taken his turn at the 4 way like a lot of us have the habit of doing. I salute in apology and slow way down to show I’m sorry.

He hits the brakes and slows down. I must have cut him off without realizing it because he really seems upset. I slow down even more to increase the distance between us and placate him. He speeds up and the situation seems over.
In a short time the other driver starts his antics again. Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I start mouthing oaths in his general direction. I find I still have all of the vocabulary I honed in my years in the military. Even though he can’t hear me, he senses my attitude. The situation just escalated.

My nemesis slows way down. I press the issue and get dangerously close to his bumper. He slows even more. I get a testosterone surge, and get ready for battle. He continues to slow.

The car’s turn signals come on and the driver points out of the window to a turn off. He turns in and so do I. He opens his door and I open mine. It’s time for battle.

“Something flew out of your truck back by Norris City”, he yells. “I thought you might need it.” I take a moment to process his words. “Thanks”, I respond. I continue to process the change in the circumstances. He gets back in the car and proceeds towards Enfield. I sit for a second and head back to Norris City to pick up my missing cargo. What just happened? How did I get this so wrong? Even if it was road rage, why would I get involved at my age?

I think my interpretation of the situation came from my experiences in life. I’ve lived in cities where a certain behavior facilitates survival. Some of my neighborhoods weren’t the best, and projecting a willingness to fight ensures continued breathing. Even my career rewarded aggressiveness and punished the timid. Experience may be the best teacher, but it’s still possible to get the lesson wrong like I did.
The point I’m trying to make is don’t make assumptions, and don’t jump to conclusion. A wise person I know says to think before speaking. I’d extend that to think before reacting. Something may have fallen off of your truck.