Speed Is a Drug
People wonder why we’re a society so obsessed about drugs — legal or illegal. They wonder why today’s youth think it’s OK. They think it’s OK, ’cause we’re a society obsessed by drugs. We get sick — take a pill. Turn on the TV, and inevitably we see drug ads. Kids don’t distinguish. We use the same word for legal and illegal subsances: Drugs.
I think the same goes for problems on our roads and highways. Police, and sane drivers everywhere want all the “rest” of the drivers to slow down, act sensibly, and drive courteously.
It won’t happen as long as we are in a society that promotes individual initiative, aggressiveness, and “me” above virtually all else that matters.
Police may be successful in forcing speeders to slow down, but it’s just a band-aid.
We as Americans didn’t get to be #1 by being “nice” (for the most part). As a collective consciousness globally we’re bullies, and we get our way…because we work hard, yes, but because we’re a culture of pugnacious, assertive, and self-centered individuals.
To really make drivers behave, they have to be considerate, caring, and sharing. Those are lovely words, and they apply to some of us some of the time…but not during a hectic, busy work day when the individual’s needs must be met in a dash to achieve more, have higher status, and if necessary — yes– walk (or drive) all over my neighbor on the road to get where I’M going while I’m on my way to the top!
Speed can be like a drug, actually. It literally raises the endorphins and other esoterically-named hormones that can change our normally calm demeanor into rage when we’re all sitting anonymously protected in our cans (cars).
Oh, and besides drugs, and a narcissistic love of self, our country is obsessed by the culture of cars too.
It doesn’t surprise me that the above combination leads to rude drivers being the #1 pet peeve in Las Vegas.
Categories: Uncategorized
November 14th, 2006 at 9:30 pm
Dave, I agree with you 100%! I am appalled by the audacity of drivers in this town. It has become much, much worse over the past few years. Drivers seem to go out of their way to be rude. If you put your signal on to try and change lanes, many drivers will speed up to close the gap just so you can’t get over! I have seen passing on the right on the berm, people flashing their lights at you because you are doing the speed limit, and blatant disregard for red lights and school zones. It is a shame. This is not the same traffic that was around even ten years ago! The police need to enforce the laws but we all need to make an effort to remember our fellow drivers and be more courteous out on the roads.