I’m abundantly grateful that we
live in a relatively low traffic area. Driving on congested roads is not
something I have to face on a daily basis. Honestly, even during road
construction season (which is more than half the year), our traffic tie-ups
aren’t all that terrible. Sure, we may have to slow down for a stretch, but we
are seldom slammed to a total standstill.
It’s easy to forget what a blessing
this is – until I have to go somewhere jammed up. Yesterday was just such an
occasion. Driving to the city for an appointment, I cruised around a bend in
the highway, enjoying the scenery and the radio. Then I saw it – the seemingly
endless line of brake lights up ahead. Red eyes blinked at me for as far as I
could see, with commuters playing lane-change zig-zag bumper cars.
I hit the brakes and sighed. Then I
grabbed a tiny opening between rumbling right-lane trucks and veered over to
catch the upcoming exit and make my way to town on back roads. And I admit it.
At first, I groaned over the traffic jam. I switched the radio to the AM news
station for a road report and discovered the multi-mile tie-up resulted from
gapers slowing to view an accident.
At least, I wasn’t in the crash, or
even the subsequent gawking drivers’ near misses.
So I am thankful, even if I arrived
a little late this time.
Images:
Vintage/public domain artwork
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