Perhaps it is only my perception but I feel I am seeing a recent marked increase in the instances and regularity of road rage incidents. Thankfully none so far targeted at me but for example, I have just completed a ten mile journey in reasonably heavy but flowing, late Saturday afternoon traffic. Only 25 minutes or so in the car during which I witnessed three separate instances of road rage style conflict.
Last week, while going about my business, I saw several such examples of what could loosely be described as the manifestation of the feral side of human nature on our roads.
I wonder if it is functional of our current economic frustration combined with the greater financial calls on peoples budgets and perceived obligations at this time of year ?
Chill people......
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I have found it to be the other way. Less traffic, less jams, less stress,
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Something to do with the time of year? Half eight this morning, one of my neighbours, middle-aged family man professional type, Merc C class, wheelspinning all the way out of this quiet residential estate like some kind of nutter. Like you said, chill out for goodness sake!
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People are more slothful and zombified I think.
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Economic conditions = Less traffic.
Christmas run up = More traffic at especially weekends, it will get worse as we approach the holiday period, just wait until people only have 24 hours to get a months food because the shops will be shut for 48 hours.
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Well I've just got back from shopping in the city and it was jam packed - to the degree that it took 20+ mins of queuing to the till to pay - and the atmosphere was great, very jovial, and not a bit of grumpiness to be seen.
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Yes Christmas, that's probably it. Season of goodwill to all men etc. !
Just seems to be a lot of anger out there all of a sudden. One couple I observed today with a Christmas tree on their roof rack while shouting apoplectically unseasonal comments at the driver of the car next to them. I suppose he must have offended them in some way.
I just hope they don't decide to decorate the tree tonight, wouldn't give much for the Fairy's chances of a comfortable Yuletide....
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...One couple I observed today with a Christmas tree on their roof rack while shouting apoplectically unseasonal comments at the driver of the car next to them. I suppose he must have offended them in some way...
"Can't you afford a bigger Christmas tree than that?"
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"Your fairy just attacked my snow man"
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I think its also down to the wevva to a certain extent.
The West has had nothing but rain, rain, and more rain for some time now, the ole currant bun always makes people feel better IMMSMW.
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It's the road going version of the unstoppable decline of the rest of the country...watch it and weep...from behind walled communities in time for those that can afford it.
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I don't think your observation is solely due to the current recession. In my opinion, road rage has steadily been climbing over the past 10 years.
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I have seen it claimed that the recession has led to an increase in the number of mimsers, people who imagine that by driving at a tortoise-like speed in the middle of the road they will make their medium-sized, elderly-spark-plugged, filthy-air-filtered, gunge-choked-injectored petrol cars do 70mpg on their wide, half-inflated tyres.
Can't say I've really noticed it though.
It's just as well because even the mimsers there are now, no more than 15% of the traffic except on a bad day, act as a violent stimulus to my incipient Tourette's syndrome, causing my poor wife repeated alarm followed by annoyance. Fairly low-level road rage then so far, touch wood.
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I spent a couple of days last week escorting some guests around the retail emporia of central London. Oxford St. , Knightsbridge etc. In all honesty there was little evidence of recession in that particular enclave. It is however, in sharp contrast to the conditions current in high streets of of the more dark satanic towns. 'Twas ever thus though I suppose. As I said in my opening post, it may just be my perception or bad luck to have witnessed a number of these unfortunate situations in quite short order.
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I forgot to mention that when wifey came back from the supermarket that begins with Tes and ends with co yesterday morn - before I had actually read the OP, she said "everyone seems to be grumpier than usual, and that's in Sunny Cornwall.
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My mum and dad make me chuckle. Both retired and still do the weekly shop on a Saturday afternoon, then complain about it.
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My mum and dad make me chuckle.>>
Thats odd, our kids, (and grandkids) chuckle at us too. Can't think why.
Life after work means choice, the weekly shop and car fill, and monthly cash and carry run are done mid week. If we do choose to visit the shops on a weekend it is early, and we are usually on our way home before it gets busy. This avoids all the various "rages" and queues, road, traffic, parking, fuel pump, trolley, and checkout.
I can understand that some people may find it hard to break long standing routines though.
Edited by Old Navy on 06/12/2009 at 22:28
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