From the headline of this story, you are correct in assuming that I am a resident of Pasco - West Pasco to be exact. Part of my daily commute includes driving on West Sylvester Street, which stretches west to east starting at Road 68. The speed limit is 35 mph and if I'm honest (which I will be), I tend to push that to 40 mph because I don't expect the police to bother me for that. So why is it that even at 5-7 mph over, people are either riding my bumper or passing me on the right? If I'm going 40, they have to be doing 50, right?

The truth is, it doesn't matter what street or highway it is, people will speed. I just happen to notice it most on Sylvester. I'm sure it happens to you on your commute or if you're like me, you're the speeder once in a while.

Why do we speed? Well according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of the top reasons is "running late".  Makes sense, right? I get bumper riders most often at around 7:58 a.m. - they have to be at their destination at 8:00 a.m. so I try and give them a break (not a brake check) and move to the right lane because we've all been late.

Another reason for speeding is, we as people, feel insulated from the world when we're behind the wheel of a vehicle. We're invincible inside the cab so we push the limit - it's a false sense of security. It's kind of like that feeling after you wash your vehicle - it just drives smoother when it's clean.

Congestion can also cause drivers to become frustrated and thus, will speed to get around upcoming snarls. This leads me to another question, is it legal to pass on the right? Yes, in Washington state you can pass on the right under certain circumstances.

Unfortunately, aggression and a total disregard for the law also make the list of why people speed. I try and refrain from using the middle finger because I know it will only make it worse. I get it and I've done it but vocalizing the words helps me - do you know the phrase I'm talking about?  Sure you do - LOL.

Anger can also cause someone to speed. Whether it's an argument with a spouse, a friend, or even another driver, anger will cause acceleration.

A good driving song tends to make me want to speed or the first few weeks of having a new vehicle - you want to test it, right?

Here's a thought I try and remember, no matter how fast I go, there's always someone who will want to go faster. I could be going 80 on I-84 (done it), and someone eventually will come up behind me. As hard as it is, I just smile and let them by.

 

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