The Magic of Road Rules

And there can be no better model for social cohesion than road rules.

Granted, there is the odd transgression here and there; you know that toot of the horn, the odd cussed words or finger gesture. For swift to employ are many such “vigilante” actions. Yet when we get in that car, we give a nod to each other that we shall abide by those rules. The most obvious reason is that our adhesion to them keeps us all safe as we drive on common ground.

And getting us where we need to go.

As we close the door and strap on our belt, we find many metaphors for life. We are all going somewhere, perhaps with others, or perhaps on our own, yet we shall all reach a destination, regardless of the route. And granted, too: sometimes we may get lost. Finding our way can be an unbridled joy, with rare finds on the way, or it can be a pain in the neck, yet the path is the same; only our perception is different.

Some prefer to go quickly, others prefer to enjoy the scenic ride, reminding us that sometimes in life we need to move on – a job, a house, a life choice or even a better version of ourselves, and sometimes we simply need to smell the roses.

Our cars do not run on fresh air (well, not yet anyway) – they need fuel, they need servicing, they need care in order to run at their best. So, too, do we. Remember, too, it is only with the right fuel that both can go.

Nurture your vehicle well or reap the consequences. Sometimes in life, as sometimes in our travels, we need to reverse, back up a bit, correct a mistake, own it and move on.

Whilst sharing the ride can bring joy and companionship, there too are merits in going it alone.

But regardless of how, where or why we go, we all abide by those road rules. When you break this down, it really is a most incredible phenomena to think of how many vehicles travel the roads each day, each one driven by a driver unfamiliar to those around them, yet all abiding by the same set of rules. This is the very thing, the only thing, that makes it all work.

Seeing the benefits of this, wouldn’t it be grand if we could transpose this model to a wider section of turf? One that we could all use to navigate this thing called life, one that recognises how all of our lives are interwoven as one, yet one that takes nothing away from our individuality. One that would enable us all to get where we want to go smoothly, and one where our pursuits do not impinge on the safety or bodily integrity of those around us.  

Actually, this already exists. All we need to do is jump on board.

It is called human kindness. Let’s give it a go.