TAG YOU'RE IT

I noticed something driving back from Grand Rapids the other day.  I pass and re pass the same cars on the expressway.  I finally realized that we are playing tag! Whoever is IT actually leads the pack and you can only become IT when you are able to pass the current IT.  Of course not everyone plays the game fairly and certain confrontations may possibly occur when the one playing IT takes it as a personal affront when passed.

The most benign ITs to pass are those who are fiddling with their cell phone, radio, Big Mac or the front seat passenger. They inadvertently became IT and are not too married to the position.  Life is good, no one-finger salute as you pass them, sometimes on the right. However that does not explain the IT who achieves the coveted Left passing lane and sits in it 5-10 miles below the speed limit as trucks are blocking the Right lane.

Upon encountering the snail IT some frustrated drivers resort to insane daredevil tactics which may include:  back bumper riding inches from collision; dodging through holes not bigger than 3/4 the size of their car; or resorting to illegal lanes (middle and shoulder) to get past the slower IT. The daredevils always complete their maneuvers by showing the afore-mentioned one-fingered salute to the offending driver who usually remains oblivious to the chaos behind and beside them. 

The problem arises however when you have two sets of aggressive drivers; the slower moving IT and the one behind, both of whom take it personally when one seems to gain an advantage. The game of tag quickly descends to a version of Survivor  with no quarter given or taken.  Sometimes gun play is involved. 

I do find it interesting that if I just play the game as intended I usually pass the offending drivers at some point either beside a flashing red/blue lit cruiser or waiting for the tow truck to drag them out of the ditch.  Just another day on the road.  I can't wait for self-driving cars...