December 2013

By: CAR magazine

By: CAR magazine

Humans are an odd bunch. Yes, some are more odd than others – endearingly so, in the case of the Koreans and the Belgians, for example. But, generally speaking, many of us exhibit some very peculiar behaviours.

And you don’t get clearer proof of this assertion than on the ribbons of asphalt that adorn this planet. Put someone behind the wheel of an automobile and some very odd behavioural patterns come to the fore.

We do things, say things and employ various hand gestures that we wouldn’t dream of doing with our feet on the ground. At best, we come up with some of the most explosive language ever heard and, at worst we take the kind of chances that not only put our own lives in danger, but those of others too.

I see it every day on our roads. And I see it done by all representatives of this wonderful country of ours: wannabe racers in hot hatches, arrogant execs in big, powerful SUVs and aggressive taxi drivers with upwards of 16 lives in their care all regularly travel at speeds or put their vehicles in situations where people can – and do – die. Those are just three examples.

I see my own behaviour change in a car, too. Usually, I’m a reasonable and considerate guy in control of his tongue, but there have been occasions when road rage has erupted from me in milliseconds. It has scared the living daylights out of my family.

Psychologists reckon it has something to do with the car being an extension of your physical being and, when it’s threatened at a primal or instinctual level, you react with aggression. Whatever the reason, I do apologise if you were the target of my gesticulation and snarling visage.

Until they invent a pill to cure my condition, or until the futurists’ predictions of autonomous cars come to fruition, I’m going to do my utmost to just chill out a little more and enjoy what I love doing – driving a motor car.

Cars are wonderful things that serve many purposes. Whether you see them as a necessary transport solution or desirable machines that stir your blood, I trust you’ll appreciate them, enjoy your time behind the wheel and drive safely.

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