When did blocking drivers become a driving skill?
Ever since I was a kid I was taught manners. I was encouraged to say please and thank you and hold the door open for the next person. It’s something I also have taught my kids. I take pride in that and it’s a great feeling when someone comments to me at how polite and well-mannered my kids are. I’m hoping they take those skills into adulthood. Have you?
As I make the trek to work each morning I constantly see drivers leave their manners at home. Their actions remind me of a two year old with a toy and other child comes toward them. Do the words “mine” mean anything to you? These drivers fail to share the space near them. They begin to tailgate so the driver in the next lane, who needs to make a lane change, can’t squeeze between them and the lead driver. I wonder if they act that selfish in real life.
I wonder how they feel when they’re the driver who needs to make that much needed lane change and the drivers in the next lane begin to tailgate and block them from doing so. When did “blocking” become a driving skill? I must have missed that class when I became a driving instructor in 1988. I must have taken the “cooperative driver” class instead. When did driving to your destination become a race? Driving is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the ride.
If you’re a cooperative driver, you’re helping other drivers do exactly what you want to do – reach your destination safely. Blocking other drivers may lead into road rage or perhaps even a collision. Sharing the road often creates a more positive driving environment. Think how you feel when you do something nice for another driver and they wave ‘thank you’ to you. It makes you feel good. On the other hand, think of how you feel when they don’t wave ‘thank you’ after your good deed. Do you feel annoyed or perhaps even angry?
Becoming a cooperative driver, especially on your way to work in the morning, helps you start your day off in a positive mood. That positive mood can help you become more productive. Being an aggressive driver can often lead you into becoming uncooperative in the workplace.
It’s time to put the driving shoe on the other foot. Be kind to others and they may very well be kind to you and others on the road as well. And, I’m sure as your parents have often said to you, you need to get along with others.
This is a good article but IMO its painted with a broad brush. Often those who “need to make that lane change” were in the original lane they are trying to merge into. Many drivers often will “jump over” into the lane they know ends ( presumably out of impatience ) and then try to ram themselves back in again a few cars ahead. Often drivers will also pass multiple safe spots to merge over to also get that few extra cars ahead. Doing that slows down already slow traffic.This kind of arrogance and impatience wouldn’t be tolerated in a line up at the bank or grocery store so why should it be on the road ways? Co-operating works both ways!
Why aggregate them by blocking them? What purpose would that serve? It’s not like by blocking them they will think “oh, maybe I shouldn’t drive like this”. And if you gain satisfaction from blocking them, you’re no better than they are. “Be the better man” as the saying goes.
Courtesy and good manners should be our guide. Unfortunately a small percentage of road users drive aggressively, hopping from lane to lane, and relying on other motorists to let them push in.
I am willing to respond assertively and not give in to bullying tactics. This is not ‘blocking’ rather than maintaining my current position in traffic. The Highway Traffic Act stipulates who has priority based on signage and road markings. I comply with the Act.