“Lincoln drivers are the worst.” 

“Omaha drivers don’t know what they’re doing.” 

“They’re just giving anybody a license nowadays. 

Guys, come on. Not all of us can be bad drivers.  

But this is still a rhetoric that’s always bothered me. I will be the first to admit I’m not a good driver. Last week, I totally slammed into a curb, and five miles past York my tire broke up with my car, and obviously I don’t know how to change my tire, so I just sat on the shoulder scratching my head until someone rescued me. But at least I’ll admit I’m a bad driver. 

I had nightmares about driving since I was old enough to dream. When the time came to learn, any time I had to drive outside of my town of 400, I’d lose it. I would be in hysterics. I had to drive my brother to his orthodontics appointment in Lincoln when I was 16 and we were both bracing for impact the whole time. We were in it together.  

Now, I’m comfortable driving anywhere as long as you don’t ask me to go to Omaha or the Haymarket on the weekend or Lincoln during rush hour or really anywhere in adverse conditions. This is all to say, when you say that people at “insert location” don’t know how to drive, I’m one of them. And I will state that proudly, take one for the team. But I am in the minority, because I genuinely believe that the average person is a good driver, and I constantly empathize with other drivers. I don’t care if you cut me off. Maybe your exit was right there. Maybe your wife was giving birth in the passenger seat, and you needed to be in the right lane to get to the hospital. Maybe you’re coming off a 12-hour shift and you’re just a bit aloof. I don’t know your situation, and it’s not my business. 

I think everyone could do with being a little more empathetic and understanding towards other drivers. We’re all just trying to make our way in life, literally. On the road. When you’re driving. And you never know someone else’s situation. Anger just isn’t productive, especially not at the wheel. Yes, it’s annoying that that ugly little green Kia Soul is going 15 miles under, but is your life at risk? Sure, it sucks that stupid little Miata just cut through three lanes of traffic, but what can you do? Yes, it’s a bummer that whoever in that super awesome bright blue Volkswagen Beetle just merged onto the interstate without checking their rear view, but keep in mind I might literally be just a girl. 

I use the example of driving as a euphemism to discuss empathy because road rage is one of my pet peeves, but I really do think we need to understand the importance of practicing empathy and extending it to all areas of our lives. You don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life when they cut you off in traffic, but you really don’t know what’s going on in anyone’s life from a passing interaction at all. It’s just so much easier to be kind and understanding than to allow ourselves to be bothered and drained. Anger is a knee-jerk reaction, but how often do we stop to process it beyond instinct? It’s not revolutionary to suggest that we be less reactive, or more empathetic, but when we put these incidents into context, it’s easier to understand that it applies to everyone. 

We aren’t evil for making assumptions. It’s reasonable to be bothered by inconvenience. At the same time, we can apply understanding to these situations, and view others beyond our own situation. We are quick to excuse our actions because we know the influence our own circumstances have on them. Afford others the same understanding you would afford yourself. 

Now let’s just all get along,