Unrelated

Driving in the bay area is a hazardous proposition. I have no hesitation in ranking bay area driver's last when it comes to traffic sense. How does this post relate to an MBA? Actually it doesn't! I am just ranting but those of you who end up attending Stanford GSB can use this as an indicator of what is in store for you. Some of the patterns that I noticed are:

Aggressive antagonists - I guess this is a breed that exists everywhere but the Bay area has an un-proportionately large representation from this pool! These drivers think that the roadways are their own demolition derby and the urge for speed is one of their staple diets. Their favorite trick is to tailgate your car till there is no sunlight visible in between.

Grumpy grannies - Again a common breed, people going so slow that they invite the wrath of all the other drivers. While I have no objection to the GG's puttering along in the slow lane, I can’t explain their strange urge to regulate the traffic by plugging along in the fast lanes. It is an ordinary sight to see a row of cars attempt to slowly overtake these drivers.

Discontent drivers - Now this is a breed unique to the area. I have never been able to figure out exactly why they do the things that they do. Most times they will be driving slightly under the speed limit up until you decide cut across their bow. Just when you negotiate your car into an overtaking pattern, they will match speeds with you. When you pull off graciously allowing them their right of way, they pull back. This pattern is repeated every time you attempt to pass. The drivers appear to be completely oblivious of the turn indicator of your car blinking furiously under their eyes. They will do their utmost to hold you down until by a stroke of luck or speed you go past them. Then ruing the fact they let on through, they go back into their hunting pattern.

Frantic Flashers - These folks that perverse pleasure in destroying your night vision by flashing you with ultra bright xenon lights that should technically be banned from most cars. Their lights are always on high beam and the glare is usually enough to give you a headache.

Carpool Caperers - Another annoying breed found only in the bay area, folks who are usually alone in their car, but want to take the pleasure of using the carpool lane without filling its requirements. To avoid getting caught they will make sure that they drive way below the speed limit, scanning continuously for cops. By this time they reach the end of their bravado (or reach their exit) there is a heap of drivers dying to shoot a bazooka up their tail pipe.

There are many many other types including the speed freaks, the zany zealots, the conceited curiosities, etc. But we have run out of time. Have to get back to work having worked off my angry after a brush with members of the discontent drivers and the grumpy grannies group. Individually, they don't bother me as much, but when you are running late for a meeting and end up taking aggression from these freaks, it gets to be a little too much.