I have only driven in a few big cities, and tons and tons of small ones.  Having driven countless miles on the Los Angeles Freeway system, I think qualifies me to talk about them in this manner.

Some of the most snide drivers exist on our roadways; freeways stretching 6 lanes in either direction, packed bumper to bumper with cars and trucks.  I am no exception of being one of those drivers that will occasionally lay on a horn, give you the finger and speed up a little to NOT let you in (not all at one time).  I know…why? We all have some place to be and I’m sure we’ll all get there in time.

So this morning I’m driving to work and on my stretch of the freeway there are a lot of semi-trucks coming from their depots on their way to their end destinations.  The right two lanes are generally littered with them.  There had been a pick-up truck to my right mostly pacing me as we drove the same stretch.  When we got closer to a major junction the cars and trucks started to boggle down with the incoming traffic and his lane was slowing.   So instead of slowing he speeds up and without a signal cuts to his left directly in front of me barely missing my front end.

I know we are living in hands-free world but I had my protein shake cup in my hand, just about to take a sip when he did this.  I had to quickly put the cup in the cup-holder and slam on my brakes to keep from clipping him.  Of course, now I’m PISSED!  I lay on the horn as he speeds away and yes, flip him off.  He slows his pace, to what it was before the lane-change and I have managed to move to the fast lane – about to pass him and give him the WTF stare – when he kind of apologetically waves his hand in a “sorry” motion.  It was that little action, that tiny wave of acknowledgement that calmed me in an instant.  I nodded and went on my way.

I was ready to curse his whole family when the one thing that I think most drivers want to happen did.  He acknowledged his action or mis-action.  I think if we did this all a little more, you know in a pay it forward kind of way, then things might be a little more pleasant all around.  So, I’m going to be more cognizant of my actions and especially my reactions. Has there ever been an instance for you when something like this happened and made a difference in your day or way of thinking?

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Also a very dear friend of mine is having surgery today.  HelloKitty good luck and have a speedy recovery.  Please keep her in your thoughts.  Thanks.