Road rage

Road rage is universal in my experience.  No matter where you are, there are drivers who believe that they have a right to speed, push in, ignore road signs and good practice, swear and gesticulate at other motorists, and generally cause ordinary drivers severe angst.

More often than not, instances of road rage result more in heated tempers and obscene gestures than real injury.  Of course there are exceptions to this.  Sometimes drivers emerge from their vehicles and lock horns in physical battle.  In rare situations, one driver may pull a handgun and shoot the other.

Road rage also occurs in South Africa, not only for the usual reasons, but also because there are large numbers of minibus taxis on the roads whose drivers lay claim to every lane of every road, not to mention shoulders and even sometimes sidewalks.  They transport a huge number of people every day, so they provide a great service, but they can be intensely aggravating.

It is rare that road rage happens when one party remains passive.  In most instances of road range worldwide, it usually takes two to ignite a confrontation.  One driver does something another dislikes.  The latter reacts; the former reacts in turn, and the confrontation escalates.

But occasionally a passive driver gets the brunt of another road user's rage.  The following photographs show a variation of road rage - African style.  Unfortunately I cannot credit the photographer because I have been unable to find out who it is.

"What a nice day to be in the bush.  All the drivers are being so considerate."

"This one even pulled over to let me pass."

"So kind of them to let me use their car to scratch myself."

"WHAT WAS THAT YOU SCREAMED AT ME?"

"NOBODY CALLS ME THAT AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!"

"THAT'LL TEACH YOU TO SWEAR AT ME!"

"BET YOU WON'T DO THAT AGAIN!"

I guess the moral of the story is don't call an elephant names unless you are in an M1 Abrams tank.

What can I say?

Stan - Thursday