Angry Driving Or ‘COVID Driving’?

Angry Driving Or ‘COVID Driving’?

If we all don’t slow down, we’re all going to get somewhere fast all right — a grave.

I don’t know what you call it, but I call it COVID driving: reckless speeding and road rage. And it seems I’m seeing more of it than ever before. I think people are angry — angry that the highways and roads are clogged up again when before they owned them; angry about election results; angry at gas prices; angry at inflation; angry at being called back to work; angry at falling behind in their lives during COVID. You name it, they’re angry.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that vehicle deaths hit a 16-year high in 2021. They don’t know why yet, but there is rampant speculation.

The other day on my morning commute at 6:45 a.m., I saw a neon green Ford Mustang chasing a motorcycle in and out of traffic. No joke. 6:45. I don’t know if they were friends playing a game or if it was an example of road rage, but I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I thank God that I’ve become a patient driver and survived my younger days, where once I pushed my ’83 Chevy Cavalier to over 100 miles per hour driving home from a high school football game. In fact, I’m probably that guy now you honk at because he had an opening to merge into traffic but decided it was a bit too close and waited. I can wait all day now.

We said this was going to happen: After COVID, people were going to try to make up for lost time and speed, drive distractedly and drive impaired. If we can get our news instantly — “Kim Kardashian Sneezed,” “First Caterpillar Contracts COVID” — why can’t we get to where we want to go instantly? And you’re reaping the benefits now. Your shops are full of wrecked cars with more in the lot outside. And this is good — although we would never wish anyone to get hurt, maimed or killed.

There are weddings that were postponed to get to, backyard barbecues, sports events, concerts and family reunions. But let’s all slow down. I don’t know, but I find driving strangely relaxing now (except for the speed demons whizzing by). It’s one of the only times I’m allowed to focus on one thing and not multitask. The phone goes face down and silent.

If we don’t slow down, we’re all going to get somewhere fast all right — a grave. And who knows how many innocents we’ll take with us?

You May Also Like

Right To Repair, Trade Associations And You

In the fight for Right to Repair legislation, aftermarket trade groups can’t do it alone.

To say that the past two years have been a long, strange trip is a colossal understatement. For many of us, personally and professionally, 2020-2021 is a time that we’ll always remember.

On Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, aftermarket leaders kicked off the first in-person AAPEX since 2019 by reflecting on some of the challenges the automotive aftermarket has faced during the pandemic. What emerged was a picture of a strong, resilient industry that historically has thrived in good times and bad.

Veterans Can Be Heroes Off the Battlefield Too

Veterans bring an incredible amount of value to the civilian workplace, in terms of nontechnical and technical skills.

Veterans and Vehicles
What’s Really Driving The Automotive Aftermarket’s Growth?

NPD’s Nathan Shipley looks at the many moving pieces contributing to the industry’s recent spike in demand.

aftermarket growth
Strength In Numbers

The automotive aftermarket is filled with great people. In fact, many say it’s our strong suit.

Teamwork automotive aftermarket
Never Stop Learning

With so much internet-based training content available, it’s never been easier to expand your knowledge base.

Continuing Education

Other Posts

Pent-Up Demand Expected to Buoy US New-Vehicle Sales in Q2

Edmunds is forecasting second-quarter sales of more than 4 million new cars and trucks.

NPD Group Bullish On Retail Aftermarket For 2022

However, the consumer-research firm sees mixed signals on the economic landscape.

Nathan Shipley
Malco Introduces Disinfectant Products

Malco Products now offers EPA-registered disinfectant wipes and ready-to-use cleaner across all segments.

AASA Technology Conference Announces Health & Safety Measures

The in-person event is scheduled for Oct. 11-12 in Memphis, Tennessee.