It has occurred to me, as I drive around Cape Cod and SE Massachusetts for work, Why is everybody in such a hurry? In other words, why do people drive the way they do on a day to day basis? What is the net result of all this rushing around? Allow me to share my thoughts.
As if I need to remind you, I AM old and cranky which helps bring this issue to the forefront for me. Of course, you might say to me in response, “It just seems that way ‘cause you’re old and not in a hurry since you don’t have that much to do.” Or you might think, “He’s just complaining cause that’s what old and cranky people do!” Both fair points, if you don’t know me. However, I do have places to be and things to do, mostly because of my busy work schedule. I am on the road at least 4 days a week, sometimes 10 hours a day driving from place to place to get my work done for 3 part-time employers. Why I am doing this at my age is the subject for another time.
As I drive from place to place, I have become accustomed to 90% of the other vehicles passing me as I drive along the highway. This includes: tractor trailers, garbage trucks, RV’s (with cars in tow) and 1982 Cutlass Supremes held together with Bondo and duct tape! Am I the only person that drives the speed limit?! Yes….I actually obey the posted speed limit. (Pause here for audible gasps of incredulity) Why is this so odd and clearly annoying to other drivers?
Now, let me make myself clear at this point: I do allow myself some leeway under certain circumstances, especially on a busy two lane highway. I am not a hell or high water stickler for driving EXACTLY 50 or 45 MPH on back roads to prove a point. I can give a 5 – 7 MPH upward adjustment depending on the pressure I feel from those behind me. Much of the time they are driving so close to my back bumper that I can see the anger in their faces in my rear view mirror! I’m really not trying to cause trouble. But seriously, why is it that so many otherwise law-abiding citizens ignore speed limits? The sign doesn’t say “65 MPH – if you don’t mind”. The Stop Sign doesn’t have an asterisk adding in smaller print “if that’s not too inconvenient for you” It’s a speed LIMIT. It’s a STOP sign. What is the deal!?
On the highway, I have become accustomed to spending most of my time in the far right lane. (The SLOW lane) From there I can safely observe as others zip by me as if I were standing still. I guess my question for these “zippers” is how much time are these people saving as they blatantly break the law? How many times have you had some guy (I use “guy” generically although female drivers are not immune to this unlawfulness) desperately pass you in traffic only to be stopped at a traffic light next to you, 5 miles down the road? (Come on. Be honest.) Have these people really calculated the risk/reward consequences of their actions? What do they do with the 5-10 minutes they may have saved on the road once they got home? Do they kiss the wife or hug the kids or pet the dog for that extra time? I don’t think so. Do they watch 5 extra minutes of The Simpsons or Family Guy reruns before dinner? Maybe…but at what cost?
I know, I haven’t really answered my initial question, have I? That’s partly because I really don’t understand why. I am not a psychologist. I have some ideas but they would only be guesses from someone else’s perspective. Maybe we can touch on this in a later edition.
Anyway, if I have made 1 or 2 of you “zippers” out there stop and think about your speeding obsession, my work is done here. At the very least, I am a little less cranky having put this down on paper (and digitally.)
Comments or questions? Let me know what you think…if it matters at all to you. Maybe not the most important issue of the day but…
DFSmith
12/14/2025
Old and Cranky News 
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