Peace and Road Rage

In this great state of Maine, unless you live in Portland and Lewiston surrounding areas, you need a car to get around.  We are all living here because for whatever our personal reasons, we like (for the most part) the peace and tranquility that is offered.

That is funny.  Accidents are three times more likely to happen on a suburban street than on the highway, according to a study last year by the National Transportation Safety Board.

I have never been as afraid for my safety in the years I lived in New York City and Boston.  You are more likely to be hit by a car walking your kid down the street to the bus stop.  This is why I refuse to let my anger diffuse.  I will not wait until a child I know becomes a casualty, and it is sure as hell not going to be my kid. 

I'm trying this new thing out where before I assume you are a jerk, I'm going to try to reason with you.  I'm sure you have a reason to be riding my car's bumper when I'm driving 40 in a 35 miles per hour zone.  I'm sure it's not because you are truly a piece of human garbage, but you need to get wherever you're going.  Have just a glimmer of awareness and give yourself enough space.  

I watched a bunch of boneheads (sorry- not very evolved of me) create a new drop off at my kid's elementary school.  And to be honest, can I blame them?  They aren't being told otherwise.  So now, when I'm pulling out and looking to pull safely over to the designated drop-off area, I have to watch for the cars that are trying to speed to avoid being stuck behind a bus.

I'm not going to let you ruin my kick-ass morning.  I wake up happy, I drink my happy little cup of coffee, and I (semi) happily get my kids ready and out the door.  I'm going to wish you peace and a moment of pause, so you can find your purpose in life and slow down and enjoy it.  

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one, O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

I'm going to stay angry until I figure out a way to be more effective in fixing this growing problem.