Drive Me Crazy

Now that I'm not working (between jobs/a lady of leisure/semi-retired), I don't drive as much as I used to. Mostly, I drive my family from place to place which means I fill up my tank every couple of weeks. This commuting break has only been happening for the past 6 months or so. Before that, I would spend 2 or more hours of every day on the road. Do I miss it? Yes ... and no. The one thing I don't miss? Other drivers.

Since I stopped commuting, little things have started to irk me more than the used to. People who think I'm telepathic so they don't bother to signal. Important drivers who shouldn't be pestered by those red signs and are always first at a four-way stop. Truck drivers who splash mud all over your windshield -- usually when you're low on washer fluid. I used to call these people a foul name and keep driving. Now, it's become a full-on rant.

So, to relieve a bit of the tension that's been building up since my commuting days, I decided to make a list of my driving pet peeves. At least the ones that are bugging me today.

1. People who use their brakes on the highway. It's a highway. It's supposed to move fast. By definition, it is free of the traffic lights and stop signs that plague other roads. You don't need to brake. Take your foot off the gas pedal -- it works just as well -- and it won't send the driver behind you into a panic.
2. Drivers who pass you then slow down. Do you think it's a game? "Ha ha, I'm in front of you now. Your turn to pass me!" Usually, these are the people who have been tailgating you for the last 5km but can't be bothered to go around. Obviously, these are not Type A personalities. They have no leadership skills.
3. The four-way flashers. You know the ones I mean. Road conditions are not ideal so they put on their hazards. Here's a hint -- I know the road is dangerous, I'm driving right behind you. I can see you. If you put your flashers on, I think your engine or your brakes are failing and I will pass you (and I really don't want to on this crappy road). Are you trying to tell me about bad road conditions or that you are a bad driver?
4. SUVs. All of you (even Rob). Just because you have four wheel drive and a car that costs several hundred dollars to fill up, doesn't mean you own the road. You can pass me in the fast lane and leave me in your slush but when you hit that patch of ice up ahead and spin out, I will only wave as I drive by. BTW, having a big-ass vehicle, doesn't give you have super vision. You can't see any farther than I can.
5. Slooooooooooooooww drivers. I notice this more now that I drive during the day. Most of the people who are out and about are afraid of driving the speed limit. I guess that's why they wait until the middle of the day to do things. Now, I'm willing to give concessions to seniors and school zones. But there are some people who never hit third gear. And sometimes, they even drive on the highway. I know you don't want to drive fast but the people behind you do. Don't even get me started on snow days in Toronto!

This list could go on forever but these are my top 5 for today. When I did my regular road trips, I used to crank up the tunes, sing along and shrug my shoulders at idiots. I saw some strange things on my daily trips -- people reading at 120kph, jerks passing on the shoulder, women putting on make-up, guys shaving, people with their feet hanging out the window. I even saw one lady brushing her teeth -- I mean, where did she spit? 

Some days, it's enough to drive me crazy.