Is it a privilege or a right? Do we take it for granted or respect it seriously? Are we self-absorbed or empathetic?

Driving a car, truck, motorcycle, or even a bike affords the captain a sense of total control, notwithstanding the lack of it in life.

We find our comfort in the driver's seat. Some adjust their mirrors, others do not. The engine signals our departure and we purposefully put ourselves in danger. The road is the platform that allows us to get from here to there yet is riddled with decisions of others.

The rules are many; made for all. They dictate our actions yet fall on blind eyes for some. Colors show us, lines direct us, lights move us. Politeness is expected.

We gauge our speed. We choose our lanes. We are supposed to check our mirrors; for traffic that is.

The dashboard comes filled with buttons, lights, and levers. It tells us our status and invites us to engage. The lack thereof can create the very scenario we say to avoid.

Roads are straight or sometimes not. Angled curves assist us in traversing them. They fall apart and present their strife. They are mended as we continue to pummel them. Each one has its distinction while holding fast to the design set forth.

The driving experience demands we communicate. The introvert, the extrovert, and those caught in between are called to speak through their vehicle. Some resist, some ignore; all are accountable.

They say the act of driving is a privilege. Monitored by those we entrusted. Some scorn the sentinels, others respect. The license gives you freedom and is often abused as freedom might be.

The closeness we experience while safely tucked in our crafted modality of transportation allows a brief glimpse of anonymity; yet provides a public display. We tailgate, we speed, we focus on others. And others watch us through their transparent shields; wondering why we are even there. Some smile, some avoid, some stare.

We think we have the control. We believe we are the best at it. The truth of the matter lies with whether you've made it to the destination without offending the people or the ritual of transportation.

Use your turn signals...it's the least you can do.