Experiment for the Day: Driving the Speed Limit

I'm not the world's best driver. I haven't been in many wrecks (knock on wood!), but I often make really stupid mistakes (like a couple weeks ago when I ran into a telephone pole). I also enjoy driving fast. On residential roads I'm a 5-over girl, and on highways I'm a 10-over girl. I used to think I drove fast just because I was young and single. I mean I'm 28, I'm never going to die, right? Plus, when I'm driving by myself, who do I have to look out for? I've driven friends, family, and children around and been much more cautious. Now, though, I think there's probably more behind my need to pass every car I see, pushing the limit constantly. But this is not the time for psychoanalysis. We'll save that for another couch, another time.

Today I went to the store and decided that, along the way, I would try something new: I would pay attention to - and obey - the speed limit. I don't know why. Why do I do any of the things I do? Just cuz, I guess. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be! I don't like letting cars pass me. I don't like driving in the right lane. I don't like cars coming right up behind me and then tailgating me for a mile or two. Not fun. There was, however, one bonus: I didn't have to panic when I saw a cop! It's kind of a great feeling to drive without always having to look out for police hiding around every corner. I knew without a doubt that I wouldn't get pulled over for speeding. It wasn't just an if-I'm-lucky thing, I knew there was no way! I liked that.

Well, it was an interesting experiment. I might keep it up for a few more days. Supposedly driving slower saves the environment and saves me money, but sometimes I just like to go fast.