What's DRIVING You?

     In this, society, as, in some others, the cultural-climate, insofar as 'instant-gratification' is concerned, is climbing. The, whole, 'hurry up and wait' mentality has hit a, new, high, with, many, folks finding themselves, less and less capable of 'slowing down a pace, or two'. What I'd like to know, first and foremost is this; WHAT the heck is SO, darned, important, that, people scurry about like the, proverbial, 'chicken with it's head cut off', with, this, recognized, frequently, while driving; people that I witness, on the roadway(s), on 'the regular', so caught up in 'being in a hurry' to the point of endangering others...myself, included. The 'me first', 'I want it NOW' mentality has hit hard, most, especially, amongst the younger-generation. However, they, certainly, DO NOT 'corner the market', with respect to this behavior. This, faction of folk don't EVER seem able to 'STOP, and spot the roses'...never mind smell them! To them I say, 'TOO bad for you!' To the person, young or old, tailing me on the roadway, when I'm ALREADY, driving 5 MPH over the speed-limit( my maximum ) 'pass me, already!' When you beep the horn at me, and, 'shoot me the bird', expect a big smile and a wave from me, that is, IF I choose to respond, at all. When you DO opt to pass my vehicle, legally, or, otherwise, speeding past me, and, 'leaving me in the dust', I'll, simply, nod, when, we meet, once, again, at the next, traffic-light. Gee...it was REALLY, important, for you to be first in line; and, yet...here you are, stuck at the same red-light, as me. How'd that work out for ya', hmmm? At this stage of my existence, 'rushing about' is NOT an option. What's the point? I plan ahead, I leave, with adequate time to arrive at my destination, and, I, stave off stress, every which-way I know how; this, up to and including, choosing to enjoy my time 'behind the wheel', which, has become, a bit, more, challenging, over the years, due to the caliber of drivers on the road. Heck...it's 'a jungle, out there', as we know. But, rather than become 'one of the herd', joining the 'ba-jillions' of maniacal, drivers, I prefer 'taking the lead', going at a healthy and safe pace, and, saving my energy, rather, than to expend it, getting angry, experiencing 'road-rage', as I witness SO many others in the throes of. It is said that the way a person handles his or her vehicle is, essentially, an extension of his or her personality. If this be the case, well...there are a vast number of angry, disrespectful, self-centered, and, selfish, people behind the wheel, never mind those who might be 'under the influence'. The 'scary' thing is, that, they become a 'health-hazard' to all others sharing the same highways and byways, and, it seems to me that they ALL come MY way! And, although, it may NOT be as 'popular' to be a conscientious, responsible, driver, it IS a, whole-lot, kinder...to one's-self, AND, others. Just Sayin'...