I was driving to my apartment for lunch just after 12 noon today
when some guy came speeding right up behind me. He got so close that while looking
through my rearview mirror I could not see his headlights below the bottom of
my Prius’s back window. For about a half mile he stayed that close. Finally we
came to a turning lane along the right side of the highway. As soon as the curb
curved to the right creating the turning lane, I began my move into the lane.
Apparently the guy behind me thought that he could put his foot on the gas and
accelerate by me into the turning lane because I was about halfway into the
lane when I heard a honk coming from behind- and not too far behind, either.
Suddenly I was irritated. With my hand I angrily motion to
the guy behind me to back off. He threw up his hands in irritation and stayed
right behind me. I should state that I was going the speed limit and there were
several cars in the lane in front of me through the whole ordeal.
Anyway, as soon as we turned, there was a second lane going
our direction, allowing the guy to hurriedly buzz up beside me. As soon as he
pulled alongside, I gave him the finger. That’s right; the finger. He
frantically lowered his passenger-side window, and angrily shouted at me that I
needed to use my turn signal before I reach the lane I was entering. To his credit,
I don’t recall his calling me any derogatory names. As I said, I was angry, so
my response to his suggestion was to wail, “Jam it up your ass, dipshit!” I
remember my exact words. It is a sentence I'm sure I have never spoken until that moment.
The man shook his fist at me then sped off, after all, he
was clearly in a hurry. I watched him as he dodged through the traffic up ahead
for a block or two before turning and going off in another direction.
I have been irritated by other drivers before but never to
the point of taking any kind of action. I have had various passengers in my car who have
wanted to openly express their displeasure at other motorists, but I have
always been able to rein them in. I am not a road rage person, well, at least
not until today.
I do not know what I would have done had the man decided to
take some reciprocal action, perhaps followed me or something. It would have
been interesting. Anyway, hopefully it is a one-time thing and not a trend in
my behavior pattern. I don’t think it is because now, hours later, I am able to
giggle about it.
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