EveryWoman

So much road rage

I recently wrote here about how mean women drivers tend to be. I outlined several of their tendencies in their conduct which include manipulative glances when seeking the right of way amid traffic chaos. They are usually the first to ask for that help, but will rarely do the same for other motorists. The list is endless and it includes some level of arrogance.

But over and above, road rage cuts across the board where every motorist believes to know better than the rest. There are those willing to get to the front of a queue in the most idiotic means. There is no longer the defensive driving practice, but the battle for supremacy in terms of what type of car, the fastest, the meanest and even the most intelligent of drivers. That is not what it should be about.

What is it about taking the lead in a traffic jam when the pace remains that of a snail and the positions bumper to bumper? Nothing, but to boost bruised egos which cannot be attributed to road usage.

It has become the order of the day for drivers to quarrel with fellow drivers, scream at a cyclists who have no clue about highway codes, that woman carrying goods on her head more than her own weight, the school children crossing roads and forced to sprint otherwise they risk getting hit. Let’s not forget those who don’t bother to look at their rear view or side mirrors. They enter intersections without the slightest of warning and even curse the protesting drivers that almost hit them or get hit.

I will not forget the pedestrian who seems the angriest and bitter. Every motorist is his/her enemy. They curse, rant and complain even when there is no need. It is as if it’s a crime to them to drive and anybody in a vehicle should be cursed. A Pedestrian Crossing, in their views, is just what it is—giving them the right of way in spite of the closeness or speed of a vehicle and whether or not traffic lights are working — in case they exist. They appear and disappear on roads without a care and believe brakes are their salvation should anything go amiss. Boy, are they wrong!!

Traffic police officers, in my view only worsen the situation. They hold up queues longer when in charge rather than when they leave it up to drivers to control movement.

The warmth of this country as the Warm Heart of Africa is diluted really with so much rage on our roads. A little orderliness, tolerance, consideration and patience can change the status quo to ease travelling. I heard the other day a cyclist curse a driver for, apparently, not giving him room to cycle along the highway. In as far as he was concerned, he was right and this driver did him wrong.

That is the kind of attitude I’m referring to. Not every individual is entirely right or wrong. Nobody should take it upon themselves to believe that their views are correct. In a situation where we all scramble for one highway accommodating cars, bicycles, pedestrians, goats, dogs, the mentally challenged and cows, we need to do more than just guide the steering wheel. Let’s tame those tempers and prevent unnecessary bloodshed.

Related Articles

Back to top button