Let?s talk a little more about aggressive driving and road rage.
The other day, I mentioned the program that state police were conducting called Smooth Operator aimed at getting these drivers off the roads.
In response, Jim wrote in with a tip: “Two great places to watch aggressive driving. From University Parkway south on St. Paul Street to the courthouse or North on Calvert Street to University Parkway from the courthouse. To and from work, I see some crazy action.”
Jim adds: “Six days a week, I pick up my riders [I think Jim drives a bus] on Hanover Street near the Key Tunnel overpass in South Baltimore.
“Five days a week, I watch a black convertible VW Beetle run at least two red lights, pass cars on the double yellow line or pass on the right on a street with one driving lane and a parking lane. This takes place between the hours of 5 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. Monday through Friday. His tag number is [as much as I would like to include it here, I legally can?t, although it?s fair to say that it is a personalized tag].
“He comes through the area speeding. He has caused about six autos to swerve or have near misses at the traffic lights he runs. He almost hit a bus just yesterday. So don?t think all aggressive drivers are only on the highways.”
Here?s the crazy thing … literally.
A survey from the National Institutes of Health surveyed almost 10,000 people and has determined that road rage falls under a new classification called intermittent explosive disorder.
That?s right. They say people just can?t help but slam on their brakes in front of us or flip the bird when they get angry or run other drivers off the road.
They have a “disorder.”
The study, published in some psychiatrist magazine without a centerfold, said the average person who suffers from this “disorder” will have 43 episodes during his or her lifetime and will do almost $1,400 worth of property damage.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes for some lawyer to use this as a defense for his or her client?s traffic ticket.
On the same topic, Ronald wrote: “The problem is lack of courtesy. Parents and schools stopped teaching it to children who grew up not having common courtesy.
“Our poor driving habits are a reflection of our society. My biggest gripe is those who cut across the solid white lines, as when exiting a ramp.”
Questions, comments, random musings? Write to [email protected].
