Road rage returns

Whether it’s cutting across three lanes in heavy traffic to make the exit at the last second, tailgating at 120km/h, or forgetting to use — or switch off — the turn signals, traffic tempers are flying again after two weeks of relative peace. Maybe it was the line-ups at the border. Maybe it’s the construction traffic.

The conditions of late haven’t been doing much to help ease driving doldrums either. Roadwork has started up again on highways and municipal streets, causing rush-hour delays on a near-daily basis. Maybe it’s the incredible heat and humidity that has upset people so much, but either way, enough is enough.

The weather also came into play this past Monday, with heavy downpours and water accumulation leading to plenty of hydroplaning during the morning drive. Transport Quebec was even forced to close northbound Highway 19 near Gouin Boulevard. and parts of Metropolitan Expressway, near l’Acadie Boulevard.

With a return to school around the corner — meaning thousands of children will be sharing the morning rush-hour roads — couldn’t we just decide to take it easy on the roads and ease back on the accelerator? Your car is not an extension of you, nor is it a way to satisfy your own perceived shortcomings. It is a method of transportation, nothing more, and the hell-bent-for-leather drivers would do well to realize it.ꆱ