Aggressive Driving Is Still on the Upswing, I Think. [View all]

[MineralMan]

Here in the Twin Cities of MN, we've had a couple of snowstorms this week. Although the roads have been plowed, temps are below zero, so roads are slick in places. Normally, Minnesotans drive more carefully in those conditions. Not right now, though. There's a four-lane arterial street outside my door, with a 45 mph speed limit. Some drivers have slowed down to about 30, but plenty are speeding along at 45, 50, or even faster. They're impatient, too. When they encounter a careful, slower driver, they often blast their horns and swerve into the other lane to pass. I've seen some skidding and close calls while watching them from my balcony deck.

I went to the supermarket, about a 5-minute drive on that road and another 4-lane arterial street. 30 mph and extra caution at intersections, etc. I had lots of tailgating behind me and unsafe passing out of annoyance. I heard some horns, too, behind me. I don't care. I drive at the appropriate speed, regardless.

People are pissed off, frustrated, and impatient right now. It all seems dangerous to me, and out of the ordinary for the conditions. It is a symptom, I think, of the general state of things at the moment.