Guest Post by Alex Stauber
Alex Stauber is a beer history expert, fearless kayak commandeer and a big fan of the ol’ Rum. Jenny just cracked herself up writing this bio.
Those of you who drive in big cities like Miami, Los Angeles, New York know that drivers are expected to cut you off, flick you off and piss you off.
I drive in Miami, but adapt my driving tactics to rude drivers and its Wild West road culture. For example, if I change lanes, I rarely turn on my blinkers, otherwise I will not be let in. It’s a way to keep them guessing.
In a city like Miami, road altruism is rare and welcome. But does road altruism ever get dangerous?
Sure, you have gotten into a battle with people on the road because one or more parties were acting out. But, have you ever got into a battle of politeness? It’s a battle where you signal for a person to go first and they signal for you to go first and then you signal them, etc.
Have you ever gotten to a four-way stop at the same time as the person to the left or right of you? Ever waited for your opportunity to turn left and the person going straight wants you to go first? Then you know that sometimes those situations can get serious when both of you misinterpret who is suppose to go first. Since you told them to go and they told you to go, it further complicates the situation. Sometimes both of you go at the same time due to miscommunication. This can result in a crash, causing those feelings of goodwill to fly right out the front windshield.
Road Rage vs. Road Altruism
(Editor’s Note: Alternative title is “Microsoft Paint Masterpiece that has Caused Jenny to Reevalutate Her Life Goal of Becoming a Microsoft Paint Artist-for-Hire“)
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome use of Altruism
Alex I've gotta say, I am immensely impressed with you Paint skills. If I can create a straight line – I'm doing pretty good – much less anything that would represent a “real” picture – that, and your message rings true. Cheers buddy!
Thanks, I appreciate it.
The beauty of road altruism is it's contagious.
J.D. I road altruism in larger cities catches people by surprise. I'm from Titusville and it's a little more easily received up here. Maybe even expected? Thanks for visiting!
Those M.S. Paint skills are intimidating. I opened up the application just yesterday and immediately closed it with fears of inadequacy.
I'm going to start using it once a day now. Gotta do something to balance out the “blonde” comments.