I've moved my blog to WP: idefiningi.wordpress.com
April 2, 2012
high road (n.)
I got back from a mini trip to Seattle last night and it got me thinking about what it means to take the 'high road' (after having spent 3 or 4 hours on the highway).
I drove Ben down and his coworker, Chris, as they were flying out to Arizona from Sea-Tac for work. We headed down on Friday afternoon and after quickly checking in to our hotel (La la la la la la Quinta..), we headed out for drinks at what is now my favourite pub in Seattle - followed by a lovely dinner at the Palace Kitchen. After a late night of wining and dining, an early morning drive to the airport, and a quick stop (+shop) at Capitol Hill, I headed out on the highway by my lonesome listening to Stadium Arcadium.
I never so passionately hated stupid and/or rude drivers until my car was moving at high speeds on a road shared with them. It's like idiocy is somehow amplified by high velocity - or more likely, my sense of danger becomes more acute when I see an idiot traveling at 70 miles per hour.
Usually, it's Ben who takes the wheel on our longer trips, and I haven't had a car in a few of years now, so driving on the freeway system was a bit new for me. I can count the number of times I've been out on the highway for a long trek before yesterday: 2. (Seattle 2003; Alberta 2004... I really can't think of another). It was a welcome change and I remembered how much I enjoy driving - once I get used to gliding at 110km/hr and merging my way across lanes to get to the suddenly announced ("1/4 mile"-away) exit. And only once I get away from some of the loonies out on the road.
So, let me get to the crux of why I'm posting this: I want to dedicate this entry to all the great, patient, smart, defensive, unwavering, assertive drivers out there - and point my finger at those other drivers, who seem to think they exist in a vacuum (or a tunnel).
By no means is my short stint with the I-5 a warrant for me to be a smart ass - but here are some points from my brief experience. I just want to remind us of those tips we all once learned as newbie drivers, but that many of us seem to have forgotten...the importance of.
If you want to take the high road when driving on the highway DO:
1. Scan your mirrors so that you're aware of and can judge the cars around you: anticipate (unwelcome) moves; watch for reckless driving (and get out of the way); and avoid the surprise of having a car 'sneak up on you' when it emerges from your blind spot.
2. Having said that, stay out of other people's blind spots. If you're going to pass, pass. If you're going to slow down, stay behind, or get in the right(er) lane. Be visible and assertive.
3. Drive at a comfortable, safe, legal, speed. The trifecta of good speed. Don't let cars behind you bully you into speeding up - just get out of the way. But also, don't let slower drivers eat at your patience or tempt you to tailgate.
4. Keep a safe - even extra long - distance between you and the car ahead. That way, if they're leaning on their brake, you're not slamming yours - and risking a domino affect with the tailgating A-hole behind you.
5. Yield and be nice to your neighbour - even (especially) if it's the A-hole; being ahead on the road doesn't get you ahead in life. Take the high road.
If you want to take the high road when driving on the highway DON'T:
1. Think that having a more expensive car makes speeding safer.
2. Pass when the turn is against you.
3. Gorge on a sub while you're driving. Your eyes should be on the road.
4. Race an imaginary race.
5. Tailgate and cut the A-hole off in vengeance. Take. the. high. road.
Happy travels!
 |
| White Horse Trading Company, Seattle, WA |
I never so passionately hated stupid and/or rude drivers until my car was moving at high speeds on a road shared with them. It's like idiocy is somehow amplified by high velocity - or more likely, my sense of danger becomes more acute when I see an idiot traveling at 70 miles per hour.
Usually, it's Ben who takes the wheel on our longer trips, and I haven't had a car in a few of years now, so driving on the freeway system was a bit new for me. I can count the number of times I've been out on the highway for a long trek before yesterday: 2. (Seattle 2003; Alberta 2004... I really can't think of another). It was a welcome change and I remembered how much I enjoy driving - once I get used to gliding at 110km/hr and merging my way across lanes to get to the suddenly announced ("1/4 mile"-away) exit. And only once I get away from some of the loonies out on the road.
 |
| My drive home. (Sunny for the most part..though I hit a rough hail-y, torrential downpour patch. Kinda scary.) @ Peace Arch. |
By no means is my short stint with the I-5 a warrant for me to be a smart ass - but here are some points from my brief experience. I just want to remind us of those tips we all once learned as newbie drivers, but that many of us seem to have forgotten...the importance of.
If you want to take the high road when driving on the highway DO:
1. Scan your mirrors so that you're aware of and can judge the cars around you: anticipate (unwelcome) moves; watch for reckless driving (and get out of the way); and avoid the surprise of having a car 'sneak up on you' when it emerges from your blind spot.
2. Having said that, stay out of other people's blind spots. If you're going to pass, pass. If you're going to slow down, stay behind, or get in the right(er) lane. Be visible and assertive.
3. Drive at a comfortable, safe, legal, speed. The trifecta of good speed. Don't let cars behind you bully you into speeding up - just get out of the way. But also, don't let slower drivers eat at your patience or tempt you to tailgate.
4. Keep a safe - even extra long - distance between you and the car ahead. That way, if they're leaning on their brake, you're not slamming yours - and risking a domino affect with the tailgating A-hole behind you.
5. Yield and be nice to your neighbour - even (especially) if it's the A-hole; being ahead on the road doesn't get you ahead in life. Take the high road.
If you want to take the high road when driving on the highway DON'T:
1. Think that having a more expensive car makes speeding safer.
2. Pass when the turn is against you.
3. Gorge on a sub while you're driving. Your eyes should be on the road.
4. Race an imaginary race.
5. Tailgate and cut the A-hole off in vengeance. Take. the. high. road.
Happy travels!
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