Driving, most of the time, is something very nice and at the same time quite relaxing. When you have a busy day at work and you want to relax, taking your car or motorbike and going for a ride is something that will really make you a different person and you will instantly forget about the hard day you had. However, sometimes you reckon without the host and your experience on the road can prove traumatic. So, let's see what are the most annoying things on the road that will make you literally and figuratively lose your shit.
Parking
One of the most frustrating things on the road that you may encounter is regarding the parking factor. You've set off nice and well to get to your destination and you think you're going to find a spot to leave your car. Swing and a miss! You make countless laps until you spot a spot and park yourself.
This one is something that really blows almost all drivers out of the water. Sometimes even the co-drivers because they're sick of sitting around and driving around. Especially, when you go to areas where there really isn't even a swimming pool and you see some awesome guys who have grabbed 3 parking spots, it can get out of hand. I mean, wait, dude, what's it to me and everyone else to spend 3 hours looking for a spot and waste a tank of gas because you put your bucket in the way? How hard is it for you to move forward a little bit so I can fit my bucket in there too?;
Besides, if this happens to you on a daily basis when you get home, that's when you get to the point where you say that I'd rather walk than go through this ordeal. Friends neighbors, consider that other people have cars and we have to park them somewhere near our house too, not half an hour away.
Speed
Let's now move on to the speed sector. Obviously, we all have sometimes had the misfortune to push the accelerator a little too hard when we need to. But that doesn't mean we have to drive all the time as if we were on a track. Especially when we are in a residential area where we have to be doubly careful, going full throttle is irresponsible to say the least. Because, it's not your fault that I've gone out for a walk or the little kids who may be playing in the square or grandma and grandpa walking. If you want to run with your friends, go to a long street and do what you understand. But not in the neighborhoods to race.
But speed has another parameter. You want to go to work first thing in the morning, the roads are busy and you happen to see that the other person has taken their car and it's like they're going on a field trip. Well my brother, you go out for a ride during rush hour when it's really going to war and you're relaxed and light with a cigarette butt in your hand and you're carting us off first thing in the morning? I mean, mercy, at least pull over so we can get to work on time. Because we don't need to start 3 hours early from our house just because you're in the mood for a morning charka in Athens.
Flash
Now tell me that the turn signal isn't one of the most annoying things on the road. Obviously I'm referring to some brilliant people who want to change direction and are bored of making a simple gesture with their hand to get a turn signal. To alert other drivers and pedestrians, that's the way I want to go here folks, adjust your course.
But just because you have a different opinion, either because you're bored of living, or because you think the road belongs to you, or because you got your license at night, doesn't mean I'm psychic and have to guess where you're going. Nor can I smell my nails every time I drive to tell me where you're going. Most of the time they don't even tell me. So move your hand a little and flash your lights!
Alcohol
Obviously you didn't expect me to tell you that alcohol and driving don't go together. I'd like to think you know that and you're sticking to it. However, because as a country we are among the highest in the world with road accidents, it is good to raise this issue. You've been out with your friends and had your drinks and you've done well. Leave the car, son, and find another mode of transport to get home.
It won't hurt you if you say you're not fit to drive and take a taxi. You don't have to play dude and endanger your life and the lives of others who may be on the road. What's better, to lock the car and find another way home or to play your life and the lives of others as a sucker punch because you are irresponsible and reckless? I think we all know the answer and I don't need to give it.
Corna
I really don't know if this horn thing that's happening in Greece is happening in any other country on this planet. The horn is probably for me at the top of the list of the most annoying things on the road. I mean this thing that some people walk around with their hand on the horn is unbelievable. You don't have time for the light to turn green and you've got the other guy on the horn. This stuff is infuriating, to the point where you want to get down and literally limp the other guy off.
But apart from that, using the horn to greet someone you know is equally unacceptable. The horn is for when we want to warn someone of danger or to avoid an awkward situation. Not to wave to the whole neighborhood or to let your friend know that we are downstairs and need to come down. In this case the option of getting out of the car and waving or using the cell phone to inform your best friend is more appropriate.
Bonus: Respect for pedestrians
The last part of the article is dedicated to pedestrians and the respect we should show them. How many times has it happened to rain or water at some point on the road and the other person passes by without considering anything and consequently makes a pothole for us? Countless times. When we are on the road we have to be aware of several things, first and foremost pedestrians.
So you can't just stop on the crosswalk for pedestrians and cross normally. It's the rule when the pedestrian is on the crosswalk, you have to bone the car to let them through, not speed up to avoid letting them through.
Finally, whenever we hold a steering wheel in our hands we should be careful enough to be considerate of everyone and think of the common good, not just ourselves.
Marios Voutsinos
