These days what you drive often defines who you are–at least that seems to be the truth in a world where you can literally pick any color or style ride that you desire. Just ask Ed Slinin, CEO of a major transportation company in New York. He not only knows what people are driving, but what they request in a ride for hire, as well. Unfortunately, much like the maxim “you are what you drive”, there is an alarming trend that seems to suggest “you are how you drive”, as well. And the results are not pretty.
As a business owner in a city peopled with aggressive drivers, Ed Slinin can attest to the fact that Road Rage is not only a problem it’s an escalating disease that is crippling the roadways of more and more cities everywhere and is fast becoming the number one safety concern for drivers of all ages. In fact, over 1500 people are killed or hurt by road rage every year, and the numbers are only going up. Unlike simple aggressive driving–which is a ticketable offense–Road Rage is a criminal offense, and is punishable as such. Road Rage is characterized by verbal insults, physical gestures of rudeness, and most serious of all, using one’s vehicle as a weapon.
So how does Ed Slinin fit into the solution equation? In recent years, more people are opting to take public transportation, or a ride for hire as a means to avoid the stresses of driving on today’s congested streets. What Ed Slinin has realized, is that he offers a service that can meet the needs of today’s rushed, overstressed population. As the owner of thousands of vehicles for hire, Ed Slinin provides an alternative for people regarding their travel or commute plans. By taking the wheel out of commuters’ hands and putting it into the care of a transportation professional, passengers can relax, decrease stress, and enjoy the ride again.
Since Road Rage is attributed to increased traffic congestion and a general societal breakdown in etiquette and values, it’s possible that the problem could be alleviated by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, and hence the number of potential irate and harried drivers. Since Ed Slinin recognizes this fact, hired transportation, especially for groups is encouraged as a hopeful means to substantially decreasing this epidemic.
Some experts cite depersonalization of the driver to the alarming escalation in Road Rage. Since cars often “hide” the driver, the element of anonymity increases, leading to a lack of personal experience on the road. This makes it easier for drivers to forget that we are all in this together out on the road, and that like minded individuals are just trying to get to the same jobs, events, and loved ones that we are. So, while Road Rage is not expected to disappear anytime soon, it may behoove all of us to consider our own actions while behind the wheel and consider the ways that we can help minimize this problem. It just might save lives. For more infomation on Ed Slinin click here.
