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 bike affords the captain a sense of total control, notwithstanding the lack of it in life. We find our comfort as we settle into the driver's seat. Some of us adjust our mirrors, others do not. The car's engine signals our departure, and we purposefully put ourselves in the dangers of driving. The road is the platform that allows us to get from "here to there," yet it is riddled with the decisions and whims of others.

The rules we should follow are many; they are made for all, dictating our actions, yet they often fall on blind eyes. Colors show us, lines direct us, lights move us. Politeness is expected.

As we travel, we gauge our speed. We choose our lanes. We are supposed to check our mirrors (every seven seconds?) for traffic—not our self-esteem.

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

The roads are straight... or sometimes not. Angled curves assist us in navigating them. Streets and highways fall apart and present their strife. They are constantly mended as we and our armor continue to pummel them. Each road has its distinction—while all of them hold fast to the universal 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.

It is said that the act of driving is a privilege. It's monitored by those we entrusted. Some scorn the sentinels, others respect them. Our earned licenses give us freedom which is often abused, as freedom might be.

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

We think we have ultimate control. We believe we are the best at it. The truth of the matter is that our expertise lies in whether or not we've made it to our respective destinations without offending other people, the ritual of transportation, or the respect driving demands.

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