You're driving down the highway. The trip is moving along quickly and you're looking forward to being home soon. Your car is cruising at the maximum allowed speed, occasionally passing someone, occasionally being passed. It's still a calm, relaxed drive.
Suddenly the traffic gets heavier and slows down. The distance between cars shrinks and soon the entire line of traffic stops. You start complaining about the road crews working on the highway even on weekends. It doesn't look like the traffic is going to move anytime soon, and your frustration grows.
Then you hear the wail of sirens and see blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. Through the "emergency lane" that everyone responsibly kept clear, a police car drives through with a fire truck right behind it. So this isn't just some road work...
After some time, the line of traffic slowly and carefully starts moving again. The police are directing traffic through one lane while emergency crews work in the others. You drive past the accident scene slowly, at walking pace, and see firefighters cutting someone out of a car while paramedics handle an emergency case.
And it occurs to you that getting home from your trip on time and safely might be neither a given nor a guarantee.
Each of us can contribute to making our roads and highways safer. Distraction and rushing can be deadly. And those few minutes saved aren't worth it.
Take care and stay safe.
