When I leave for work and head for the freeway I’m reminded daily of driving choices that people make. The freeway I use has two entrances, one going East and one going West. Both are right turns, one at the signal and the other at the stop sign after the signal. There is no right turn only lane for the on-ramp at the signal.
So this means when you’re going straight and come up to this red light you can choose from two lanes. In one lane you will block anyone behind you from turning right onto the freeway (note.. this is a T street, there is NO opposing traffic to watch for when turning right) But if you chose the other lane you’ll have to change into that lane to catch the other on-ramp and possibly deal with anyone who’s decided to block the people behind him to try & beat you to the exit.
With me so far?
OK.. I always choose the left lane, leaving it open for those cars turning right onto the freeway. My Ex ALWAYS chose the right lane. Always. Even after I explained how kinda selfish it is to block people like that. He theorized, this was the proper lane because he was turning right at the next stop sign and blocking others was nothing to him. Even with no one in that left lane, he’d rather block another.
This is a classic example of who we are as people reflected in how we drive. He drives slow, methodically, thinking of other drivers only as obstacles to avoid. This is also how he treats people, with observation, minimal interaction and low tolerance of those he considers “stupid”.
So, of course, his chosen career is Independent Insurance Agent. Yes, makes no sense.. but then again, to me, neither does his driving! When I drive and as I live, I often make choices based on “what would I do if I was that person.” Especially if my choices might have impact on another driver.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an angel. But I’ll happily race the asshole blocking people behind him because he can’t think of others… and I’ll win. Cuz he also won’t push his car (nor himself.)
And that’s my rant. Which, after the day I’ve had dealing with my personal “asshole”, is pretty damn tame!