Saturday, September 05, 2009

Driving

We have traveled quit a bit since we moved to New York. Our family lives closer, but it still takes sometimes hours to visit them. We went to Boston for a conference and Pennsylvania for a doctor visit recently.

This is what I noticed.

Motorcycle drivers think the dotted line in the road is their own private lane. It makes me nuts when they speed by between two cars. The fact that this is very dangerous doesn’t seem to faze them.

When we drove through the town of Bloomsburg, PA on Route 11 there are warning signs. As Tom and I were driving he read one: “Caution, watch for aggressive drivers.” I thought he was kidding when he no sooner spoke those words a lady was tailgating us. This was a two way road with no place to pass. Tom was doing the speed limit but she didn’t seem to care nor had the ability to read the following signs: “Do not tailgate.” “Follow at least two dots beyond.” The dots on the road are markers for drivers. She was half a dot behind us and stayed that way until we turned off the road.

I understand why they had so many signs on that road. They should also post police cars to catch the violators. No one seemed to be paying attention to the millions of signs on the road.

Maybe I’ve become soft. I’ve not lived here in 16 years but I’ve managed to drive across the country not once but twice, yet I will not drive outside of Long Island. Why? The people on the road are nuts. They speed. They weave like it was the Indy 500. They ride your bumper.

Here’s the crazy thing. Sixteen years ago, I didn’t notice the difference. I was right at home and could weave with the best of them. Things change. I’ve come to realize that I will get there when I get there. I leave early enough to allow for traffic even though that’s hard to judge. I guess don’t feel the urgent need for speed. I’ve realized that I’ll get there whether the traffic tries to slow me down or other drivers cut me off.

God gets me to where I’m going. I prefer to move at His pace. Granted, His pace sometimes feels like its supersonic and other times feels like I’m crawling. When I’m on His road I’ll get there. I’ll the driving to Him.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

16 comments:

Susan said...

Around our area if you drive the speed limit everyone is passing and speeding by you. My theory is....if they aren't going to inforce the laws, why make them in the first place.

Never seen that particular road sign with the dots before, even though we travel this entire country for 4 years, back 5-9 years ago. Is it something fairly new to that area?
Susan

Lynda Meyers said...

Amen Nadine... I'm a much less aggressive driver than I used to be as well. It just doesn't matter how fast I get there anymore.

Let the gunners have the highways. I take the surface streets whenever possible. It's much less stressful that way...

chelle said...

It is so not legal for motorcycles to drive in between cars like that in Canada, so we had a heart attack when we witnessed a motorcycle whip through on the interstate at 80 miles an hour in California.

We live in a much much more laid back place now. Sometimes I wish they would speed it up a little!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I agree with you on all points: the motorcyclist, tailgating... My youngest daughter is about to become a new driver. I am not looking forward to teaching her to drive with such aggression on the roads.

Brenda said...

Great analogy! We have no choice when we let the Lord drive for us, do we!

Cindy Campbell said...

Nadine,
I agree with you about the crazy drivers. I heard in a course somewhere that a person merging onto a crowded parkway has 2 responses:doing it on your own, or trusting in God. The guy who does it on his own just bullies his way into the traffic filled parkway and the cars are forced to let him in. The one who trusts in God waits until the space opens up for them. Many drivers now adays think they have no time to wait for the spot to open up, but I trust in God to do that while I am driving.

Anonymous said...

That's crazy! I have not seen signs like that ever, here in Canada. so strange. I'm glad you're safe :)

Knitting Mania said...

So true, sometimes I just want to take the wheel, and every time I do...I crash!

"Oh Lord help me to totally depend on your driving record and trust You to get me to the right place at the right time."

palmtreefanatic said...

high way drivers scare me!
I leave that up to my hubby!
There's always gonna be someone pull out in front of you too so its best to have 4 eyes!;)
I hate all stressful driving and long road trips! I just wanna get there yesterday;)

Mike said...

I never drive in New York.


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com


Twitter: AboutParenting

Jourdan said...

Good word Nae, and I completely agree :) Following His path and His street signs always puts you in a better place no matter how long it takes you to get there...love you!

j said...

What's funny is I can hear your voice saying "I'll get there when I get there"... :)

I have had a couple of near misses lately on the road. It has made me a bit more careful.

And I am with you... why aren't there policemen on that road instead of signs?!

Bebe said...

Hi Nadine!
Thanks for coming by to visit me today! I so agree with you about the crazy drivers!

I've seen people doing all sorts of wild stuff when their concentration should be on the road...putting on makeup, talking on the cell phone (the worst!), and even once saw a guy reading a book while going 75 mph! Don't know how he managed that one! I hate tailgaters, too. The roads have gotten out of control.
Lots of hugs, Bebe :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Nadine,

It's me, former lurker, Donna. I drive the speed limit and always have people tailgating me. That's their problem, not mine. I do not speed up for them. They can pass me if they're in such a hurry. Sometimes they do and we end up at the next light right next to each other. hahaha Poetic Justice. I used to say that the angels get out over the speed limit, but that's not scriptural. I enjoy reading your blog and your insights. Keep 'em coming. New York drivers; you can't beat 'em, but you don't have to join them.
Be safe!

Shionge said...

I can still remembered that crazy accident I had in NJ ;( Yep...best to be careful.

Hope you are fine Nadine!!!

Cheri said...

I don't think I'd ever want to drive in NY.