Road Rage and the Middle Finger

A few weeks ago I'm driving East on I-80 up Parley's Canyon. Brightly colored orange construction cones line the freeway. The speed limit is 65 MPH.

Cruise control is set at 68 MPH.

Suddenly, out of my peripheral in my side view mirrors, I see some lights flashing behind me. I check the rear view to be sure. My heart stops. I think it might be a copper.

The black sporty car is approaching quickly and his lights are going banana's. I try to change lanes, but someone is in the lane next to me. Instead of speeding up to try and pass my neighboring car, I subtly tap on the break and get over into the other lane, only to realize that it wasn't a police officer flashing me. It was RICKY RACER- a forty year old man with an attitude. As RICKY makes his final approach, he lays off the lights and while making the actual pass, he lays on the horn and ever so gently flips me the bird with his right hand.

Huh?

Whizzing past me in a flurry, he immediately cuts over into my lane and then uses his multi-tasking skills to actually wave his birdie back and forth at me, high up in the air out the back window, just so I can see it even longer.

Huh?

I had no idea what had just happened... but whatever it was, I was floored!

I tried to see what his license plate was but unfortunately, he was flying too darn fast. But let it be known, had I been able to see those letters and numbers, I would have called him in and reported him in an instant! Since I didn't get to vent my feelings to our law-enforcers (not that they would have done anything anyway), I think I'll feel better and will be able to move on easier if I just let it all out right here, right now.

Dearest MR. RICKY RACER:  

First, there is a child in my car! There are happy families traveling all along this highway.

Second, are you exempt from the bright orange cones, road work signs and curvy road?

Third, I guess I'm not sure why you are flashing me with your brights midday? Is that some sort of road lingo I'm unfamiliar with? Or are you actually distressed?

Fourth, whether or not my child understood the meaning of your inappropriate behavior, I find it very, VERY, rude and to be honest, quite unacceptable. The last time I used my middle finger was in high school (you can read about it here) but I have since grown up.

Fifth, please SLOW DOWN and chill out before you hurt someone.

Lastly, I may have written a post about being non-judgmental on my blog yesterday... and maybe... just maybe you were in a real emergency and needed to get somewhere extremely fast? Or maybe you were fired from your job? Or maybe you just found out some devastating news? Or maybe you just had a really, really awful day?

If any of the above are true,  I feel terrible about that and I am so, so sorry. But honestly, lashing out at people who share the road with you and insulting them with an immature gesture isn't going to make any of that better.

And if none of the above are true and you just in fact have road rage, I would ask that you please take your foot off of the gas, lower your hand, pull off at the next exit and take a moment to regain your dignity. The road will be a much safer place if you do.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

Jacy- the slowpoke Mom trying to get to her destination in one piece.


**Your thoughts on road rage and the bird? I think it's dangerous and rude. Period.