Rants and Raves on the Road

I don't really have anything too exciting to talk about, but did have some things that the Mensa group in my mind were mulling on my drive in to work this morning...

Rants:

• When did it become okay to drive on the left side of a two-way street? I'm sorry other drivers, do you NOT see me driving in the correct side?
• If you are wearing all black and it is after the sun has gone down or before the sun comes up, pay attention to the cars because we can't see you.
• If you are riding a bike, you have to follow the same rules of the road as a car. Don't glare at me because YOU run a stop sign.
• If I'm going 75-80 already, but that isn't fast enough for you, pass me. Don't just ride so close to my bumper that I can't see your lights. That is just going to piss me off and make me slow down.
• In California, it is illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device. PLEASE, follow the rules. Even if you are in the hands-free world, you are still required to pay attention to traffic.
• Kids should be strapped down in car seats or in seat belts. Don't let your kids just crawl all wild and crazy all over your car. It distracts you and it distracts me.
• Why do you feel you have the right to cut me off? Why do you think it is okay for you to pass all the traffic and then bully your way in at the last minute? Did your parents not teach you anything about taking turns?
• Speaking of taking turns... How difficult is it to understand a four-way stop? The first person to come to the stop sign has the right of way. If multiple cars get there at the same time, then the person to the right has the right of way. It isn't that difficult, take turns because we all get one.
• If there is a police, ambulance, or firetruck behind you, get over to the right as far as you can. Don't block their way and if people are trying to get over to let the emergency vehicle pass, be kind and let them over.
• Please, use common sense and common courtesy when driving. We all have to share the road. It doesn't belong to you just because your car cost more than mine!!

RAVES:

• The sunrise this morning was lovely, even though it was muted by the fog. It was just a warm pinky glow.

Vatican's 10 Commandments for drivers

I came across this article on Yahoo! this morning and it just floored me. (To see the whole article go to: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070619/ap_on_re_eu/vatican_road_rage)

My favorite part is the fact that we now have 10 additional Commandments that are focused solely on driving:

1. You shall not kill.... Duh, didn't we already have this one?
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.... Can somebody explain this one to me? "A means of communion" the only time I commune with others on the road is when I look in the mirror and can tell they are listening to the same radio station I am because they are singing along!
3. Courtesy, uprightness, and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events..... Is this supposed to be only for driving? And, if so, how can "courtesy" help me deal with the jerk on the cell phone that swerves into my lane?
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, expecially victims of accidents.... I would, but blook makes me a little woozy, besides I do try to allow ONE person to merge in front of me when an accident has blocked the lane.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.... What does the Vatican think we are doing with our cars - "an occasion of sin"?
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.... Again, duh - take the keys away from the drunks!! Isn't there a whole other campaign focused on this? Does the Vatican REALLY need to jump on board?
7. Support the families of accident victims.... Okay, but does this have to be a Commandment?
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness..... Yeah, hold your breath for that one!!
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.... WTF?
10. Feel responsible toward others.... How can anybody command how I am supposed to feel, especially towards others? You can command how I am to act toward others, but you can't command my feelings!!

So, those are the Vatican's Ten Commandments for Drivers. So, here are some additional questions that I have....

1. Are these sin-worthy commandments?
2. If so, what would be the punishment... 10 Hail Marys and wash the Bishop's car?
3. Do I have to include these in my confessions now? "Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I have had impure thoughts four times, I coveted my neighbors ass (as in donkey) twice, and I was not courteous when the truck driver cut me off on the on-ramp."
4. And finally, how big of a sin is it to break the Driver's Ten Commandments while using the Lord's name in vain, because if any of you have EVER driven with me, you pretty much know that I cuss like a sailor when driving!!