I take a van pool to work. Not only does this save me money, it's good for the environment. And these last few weeks when I have been unable to drive - it has been a lifesaver.
When I'm allowed to drive, I am an alternate driver. Believe me, driving through rush hour traffic is no small feat! I have nothing but admiration and respect for our regular driver. Some days, it seems that there are more than the usual crazies on the roads, and yet he still manages to get us safely to work and back home again.
The only way he can do this is to pay attention. He has to notice not just the general flow of traffic - but also tiny details - the kind that might indicate that person in the next lane is going to swerve right in front of the van. This morning, for example, a person entered the HOV lane from an entrance specifically for HOV users. Then this person slammed on the brakes right in front of us. Our driver had to brake suddenly to keep from hitting her, but somehow he managed to do it.
Driving in Atlanta traffic is a lot like the journey I am on. I have to pay attention to ALL the details. Am I full? Am I getting enough protein? Am I eating empty calories, or making good choices? When people don't pay attention in traffic - accidents happen. And one moment's inattention can cause back-up for miles. When I don't pay attention, I can have discomfort at the very least, but it can be much more serious than that. Paying attention helps me keep it "between the lines."
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