Our behaviour on the road is a direct reflection of how much humanity remains within us. The way we navigate traffic—our patience, understanding, and ego—reveals how we treat others without ever knowing them. It shows who we truly are when we encounter strangers, offering a clear snapshot of the society we’ve created, especially when it comes to the diminishing presence of empathy and care.
On the road, where no social ties or obligations bind us, our true nature is laid bare. We are quick to anger, often letting something as trivial as a scratch hold more value than a human life. The common struggles for overtakes show our inability to consider that maybe the other person is in a rush for an important meeting, a medical emergency, or dealing with personal frustration. Yet, instead of empathy, we focus on asserting dominance. We refuse to let someone merge into our lane because, in that moment, they are just a stranger—a mere obstacle. Had it been a family member, friend, or colleague, our reaction would likely be different.
This behavior isn’t confined to the road; it is a clear reflection of the society we’ve built. We are quick to rage when there’s no personal connection, when we aren’t compelled to maintain any form of relationship. This indifference and lack of empathy for strangers is a disturbing trend, revealing how much our sense of humanity has eroded.
So, when we see two individuals fighting over a minor accident, it shouldn’t surprise us. This is the society we’ve created—one where ego, impatience, and disregard for others dominate.
The Question of Responsibility
Who is responsible for this societal decay? The truth is, responsibility is not something that can be imposed; it’s a choice. No one is inherently responsible for everything, but everyone is responsible for something. Responsibility, at its core, is personal. It cannot be dictated by others, as anyone can step away from it and justify their actions with excuses, some of which may be genuine. But even then, taking responsibility remains a choice.
In today’s world, we all want change. We envision a peaceful society where everyone feels safe and respected, but very few are willing to take responsibility for creating that world. We speak of change but rarely act on it. The reality is, change begins with individual accountability. It starts with you and me.
On the road, small gestures of empathy, like letting someone merge into your lane, or forgiving a minor collision, can reflect larger changes in how we approach life. But often, we don’t think of the collective good, focusing instead on our own frustration and convenience.
The lack of care on the road points to a larger issue: the fading of humanity from our hearts. And while we are already aware of the kind of society we live in, the real question is, are we willing to take responsibility to change it?