What’s Your Driving Style – Turtle or Hare

Growing up in Southeastern Washington State was fairly uneventful, no earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and we are definitely too far from the ocean for a tsunami. Although in May 1980 we did see some ash fall on us from the eruption of Mount St Helen’s. We are pretty much in between the laid-back chillness of the south and the aggressive fast-pace of Seattle (or any big city) and that includes driving styles.

I learned to drive in Washington State and then successfully passed the driving test for my first license in Wrens, Georgia where, at the time, all I had to do was drive around the block and park!  My stepfather worked for Westinghouse and we lived in Wren’s for just about six months is all, what a great six months that was.

I have spent most of my life in Washington State, that’s why I call it my hometown, raised my kids here and plan on retiring here. However, there was this short time (I call it my seven-year sabbatical) I spent on the wet side of this state, shortly after I lost my husband to cancer. Over in the Renton/Seattle area I learned to drive aggressively, if you don’t take the opening when you see it, you will most definitely lose the opportunity. This can change how a person drives, I just hadn’t realized how much. Most assuredly had a few of the Bear With Me Please moments.

Which brings me to my topic for this blog post, what’s your driving style – turtle or hare.  I first thought of this just the other day as I was riding in my boyfriend’s car (he’s a great driver, so patient), he was mentioning how everyone always seems to be in a hurry,

• pulling out in front of you
• speeding around you only to get to the light first
• cutting people off in traffic
• speeding up to ensure you can’t turn or get that spot in front of them

It occurred to me how different our perspectives are, he is definitely the turtle.

We drive in the same town, yet we see things polar opposite. We are a diverse culture, which is a good thing, and this little assessment of driving showed me just how diverse we really are, even for something as simple as thought processes of driving. Not only how we drive, but our perception of other drivers.

So, the next day I’m driving my car to the store and all I can think of is how slow everyone is! I was the one being in an all fired hurry, I had no idea I was one of those! The thought of how others see how I drive made me realize and remember that everything we do displays our behaviors. Behaviors we may not necessarily want them to see. I am absolutely the hare.

Life is already fast-paced enough, zooming ahead and trying to get to the end isn’t what we should be doing, we won’t get there any faster.  We will, however, add stress to the journey when we really should be enjoying it. 

What’s your driving style?  Do you have stories to share? Click here to message me directly or leave a comment on this site.  I am grateful you took time to read this post, Thank you!