Traffic Dance

It seems to me that vehicles on the roadways are like the dancers in a very large performance. Each has places where they are required to slow, stop, go forward, or turn. If they miss their marks or stumble out of position, they risk stepping on other performers. Those who fail to follow the choreography force others out of position and into the possibility of the failure of whole sections of the dance.

In order for the dance to continue as intended, dancers must follow the design. There are, I've observed, several types of dancers who are unwilling or unable to stay in step:

1) The Impatient dancer. He/she doesn't want to wait for other performers to make their movies. He/she is intent on making their moves first, even if it causes others to slow or lose step. He/she is forever trying to gain seconds in the dance.

2) I'm Important dancer. This dancer has an exaggerated self-worth who sees his/her time as more valuable than anyone else's. He/she will move out of the dance pattern to shove into a spot farther up the line. This dancer assumes that others will automatically recognize his/her importance and make way. These dancers stop in places where not permitted, and imagine themselves as stars above the rules.

3) Distracted dancer. This person sees the dance as one of the least important things to do while driving. He/she will often be talking on the phone, eating or drinking, fixing hair, sending or reading messages, or napping while trying to stay in the dance. Neighboring dancers must be vigilant around this performer.

4) Isolated dancer. This performer behaves as though no one else is in the dance, often changing from one line to another without regard for other dancers. He/she is unconcerned with dance protocol and fails to make other dancers aware of his/her intent to change position, speed, or direction. After all, no one else need be concerned.

5) Opps, I need to be there dancer. This dancer fails to plan ahead or frequently changes his/her mind about the dance destination. The last minute desire to move across three lines to make a turn characterizes this scatterbrain participant.

The amazing part of this dance is that it so often works, thanks to the dancing abilities of many. The defensive dancing of the majority keeps the dance disruptions to a minimum.

Everyone, dance carefully.