KELLY

The need for speed is almost as addictive as any cosmetic drug that's been created in the history of mankind.

Ever since manfirst created the automobile, the goal has been how to make it go faster. Forget the cup holders and host of electronic equipment. At the end of the day, it's all about making the latest models go quicker than their predecessors.

Lexus recently introduced an eight-speed car. Eight speeds? I hope many of those cars never get to Jamaica. We have enough people killing off themselves with cars that only have four speeds! Take the case of the two morons who tried to outrun the lawmen on a section of the highway recently. The police wouldn't have caught them, so too bad for them, the driver introduced the car to a concrete light post while going at full speed. Ouch!

Call me a coward but, while I don't practise the snail's pace style of driving (you know the one where someone can get out of the car and jog alongside it), travelling at warp speed to get to your destination is not my favourite method of travel either. After one particular trip with my cousins and one of our friends, when we got to the cinema, I nearly got on my knees and kissed the ground. I don't think I've driven with that guy since! I shared a taxi with a co-worker once and so badly was the driving that when she got out she whispered to me, 'may God go with you'.

Most disturbing

The most disturbing thing for me with those who travel at the speed of light, is their alleged control of the vehicle. How many hands are on the steering wheel? One! With the other arm firmly placed on the door, hanging out like the vehicle is in park or neutral. So a pothole here that you didn't know about or a car coming out from a side road a little too quickly and you get about two minutes of fame on television as the latest road fatality. That kind of fame I can do without.

The reason for our speed need is that Jamaicans love doing things in a rush generally. Assignments, work projects and related things all seem to have to be done at the last minute. So since that's our mentality, we apply it to our driving. We don't make attempts to leave a little earlier so we don't have to rush. No, we leave close to the time we're supposed to arrive so we're left with little choice but to go at break-neck speed. And when we do crash, we say 'wi salt'. Now that's a 'hasty' conclusion to come to!

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com.