Reflections on 315
As drivers on SR315 know only too well, the construction project is in full force.
I drive south on SR315 every morning, and I’ve noticed an interesting pattern in traffic flow. Lots of us speed up to pass slow-moving cars prior between say, Bethel Road and North Broadway…and then we quickly slow down so as not to get a hefty speeding ticket. The idea, of course, is to avoid being behind a car that’s going too slow—that might hinder our progress to work or play! I’ve noticed a similar traffic pattern traveling to Athens OH on SR33. The road narrows from a two-lane highway (both ways) to just one lane. Drivers speed up once they pass Logan in order to get in front of those slow-moving vehicles that might hinder their progress once the road narrows.
I’m guilty of the “speed-up/slow-down” behavior every day, but I’ve managed to avoid a speeding ticket. I don’t like the 45mph speeding limit, and I chaff at the delays I think I’m encountering. So far, I’ve adhered to the speed limit.
Driving to work this morning, I started thinking about SR315 and the tension I feel every time I drive to work. It made me think about the time, about five years ago, where I decided to impose a self-regulated restriction on my speed. For a period of one month, I did not exceed the speed limit—not even once. I quickly noticed that my frustration with other drivers receded, and I enjoyed my drive time much more than I had previously. I was more relaxed. I was more thoughtful. I enjoyed listening to NPR and thinking about what I had just heard; when I listened to music during my time in the car, I seemed to appreciate the tunes more than I had the previous month. Sometimes I found myself turning off the radio and just thinking about the day in front of me or behind me. Much to my surprise, I didn’t actually arrive at any of my destinations more speedily than I had when I exceeded the driving limit.
I teach culture transformation at The Ohio State University, and one of the concepts we’re trying to incorporate into our institution is the value of living in the moment. It’s not easy because so much battles for our attention—technology, projects, people. I talk regularly about giving people our full attention and not letting that “now” moment slip by before we realize it. I guess the same applies to SR315: I can live in the moment during my drive to work, and maybe that’s what the construction project is all about for me.
Roadwork on SR315 will be completed sooner or later. I’m kind of grateful to it, however, if for no other reason than it’s forcing me to slow down.
Susan MeyerDirector of Marketing/Communications
WOSU Public Media
Susan,
I enjoyed your thoughtful post. In fact, I plan to try taking a calmer approach to my commute, as well. During drives when I have not been in such an aggressive, frustrated state of mind, I arrive with a much more pleasant demeanor. What’s few minutes, right?
Lili
I agree. One thing I have done in the past is leave the house a little earlier like 10 mins. Then routing my commute across town on major city streets. For me it was less hectic than the craziness on the interstate and I drove the speed limit. Guess what, I made it to work on time with no stress. I believe it also contributed to a more pleasant outlook while at work. If someone was upset I was able to calm them down instead of fueling an argument, which happens while under stress. Have a fulfilling day.
Noel