Member-only story
Traffic Jams: Steering Through the Rage Roadblock
There’s something about being stuck in traffic that can transform even the most patient of us into fuming bundles of frustration. You’re there, hands gripping the wheel, as minutes turn into hours, and all you can do is watch the tail lights ahead, glowing like the eyes of some monstrous creature that’s slowly eating away your day.
This collective exasperation isn’t without reason. According to a report by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the average American commuter spends 42 hours a year stuck in traffic. That’s a whole lot of wasted time, which could have been spent on activities we actually enjoy. But the real issue isn’t just the delay; it’s the feeling of helplessness that accompanies it.
When we’re caught in traffic, we’re trapped in a situation we can’t control. This lack of agency is deeply unsettling. We’re used to being on the move, crossing items off our to-do lists, and when that’s taken from us, it feels like a personal affront. It’s as if the universe itself has conspired to make us late for our appointment or keep us from getting home to our loved ones.
It’s not just about the delay though. Being stuck in a car is a physical constraint as well. We’re confined to a small space, often in an…
