As I’ve mentioned before, I have a horrific commute each day to and from work. The freeway I take has a carpool lane that I don’t get to use because I drive to work alone. I’m not complaining, because I’d much rather ride alone. Carpools seem some inconvenient. I don’t want to have to make small-talk for an hour every morning and night with somebody, I want to control the radio, and I like to curse people out for any minor infraction on the road. I couldn’t do all that in a carpool.
One thing that annoys me so much, way beyond what would annoy the average person, is seeing solo drivers zipping by me in the carpool lane. They must really be in a hurry because the fine is something like $400 if they get caught. I love it when I see a highway patrolman bust someone for that. It brings me such joy. I know, I’m mean.
Anyway, I ramble on to point out an article in the Washington Post. A toll-road operator in Washington D.C. is considering putting in technology that would scan drivers and passengers with bursts of infrared light to determine if there’s more than one person in the car. You can read the article here.
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#1 by fuzzynotions on October 1st, 2007
I wouldn’t enjoy carpooling with just anyone but I suppose it may make a long drive a little less boring. I don’t live in a major metropolis so traffic is only a minor problem for me. I would have to carpool with someone who had an equal amount of road rage, otherwise they might find me a little volatile.
#2 by Jennifer on October 1st, 2007
I used to live in the DC area and during my commute, I saw so many people abuse the carpool lane. It was infuriating. So I have to say that I’m always pleased to hear of new ways for people to get busted.
#3 by Daddy Dan on October 1st, 2007
You’re right. I could carpool, but it would have to be with someone I would really like to spend time with. Thanks for stopping by.
#4 by Alexandra on October 2nd, 2007
I used to live about an hour from work. I used to take the bus. I thought I’d hate it, but it was actually nice. I was able to take a nap, or read, or do whatever. From time to time, I would carpool. It wasn’t so bad. If the person with whom you carpool is cool, and a friend, then the time flies.
But it would really piss me off to be a law abiding citizen, alone, in traffic, and see some jerk, also alone, whiz by in the HOV lane.
#5 by Kay on October 2nd, 2007
that would be cool..yeah that’s so annoying, what’s more annoying is when they cross the double lines to either get in it or out of it, but i don’t commute far or long for work anymore.
#6 by Daddy Dan on October 2nd, 2007
Kay, that’s definitely a pet peeve of mine as well. I’ve been riding the Metrolink trains to work lately and it’s removed a lot of stress from my life.
#7 by becky on October 2nd, 2007
i freakin carpool. and it sucks some days cuz if she’s late, then i’m late…or if she has to leave early i’m forced to leave early or take the bus. i used to take the bus cuz the traffic here is HORRIBLE. i drive some days and it sucks.
#8 by Daddy Dan on October 2nd, 2007
The train is great, but I can’t take it all of the time. It depends on whether or not I have to work late.