Busted! I got a speeding ticket while driving out West. I definitely was going over the speed limit, and there was literally no one else around. It was just wide open space (You like that Eric Nichols) and road, but I was definitely going too fast. Way too fast.
My original flight home was canceled, and I had to select an alternate one. It was an extremely tight window to catch the flight, so I was definitely pressing the gas when I should have just cruised along. I probably would’ve been fine, but the nerves of being late got to me.
Then I saw it. The sleek black SUV was speeding up behind me like a rocket ship. “Oh no”, I said to myself, and then I saw the lights, the dreaded lights. I quickly pulled over, put my hands on the steering wheel, and rolled down the window.
The officer was spectacular. I kept my hands on the wheel, rolled down the window, and apologized profusely.
I told him I was out of town, late for a flight, and very sorry. I know I was speeding, and I know I was wrong, and I’m really sorry. He said ok, let me take a look at everything, and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.
Boy, he was quick and respectful. He did the right thing for me, and I appreciated it greatly. I certainly could’ve contested the speeding ticket I received, or pleaded not guilty. However, I did what he advised and I took an online defensive driving course.
I wound up making my flight despite the delay and ticket issue.
As I look back at the incident, I paid for the defensive driving course and subsequent penalties and fines, and I learned a few things.
Number one: It’s not worth it. Whether it was the fines, or if I had hit somebody or something, people could’ve been severely injured. It just wasn’t worth driving over the speed limit. I should have known better.
Number two: Even though I was trying to rush, it cost me both more time and more money. I had to pay subsequent fines, and I was delayed even longer. If I were just driving the speed limit or the safe 5 to 7 miles over the speed limit, I would have been fine. In the end, it cost me more of everything.
Number three: Model the behavior I expect of others. I expect my children to follow the rules of the road as well as those who drive near me. I want them to be safe, and I want to be safe when I’m driving. If I’m going to be a role model, I must model the correct behavior I want to see in others, and it has to start with me.
Number four: I was in an amazingly beautiful area of the country. Different geography and topography. It was absolutely stunning. Instead of looking around a little bit and enjoying it I was so focused on the clock and the dial. I kept looking at my arrival time to the airport, instead of enjoying the moment and enjoying the journey around me. Like my good friend Kevin Spainhour always says, enjoy the journey. I share a lot about being mindful of where your feet are. I was doing neither one of those, just rushing.
Number five: It will all work out. If I make the flight, it will work out. If I miss the flight, it will work out. It wasn’t all or nothing, this or that, but rather very convenient to make the flight. Everything would’ve worked out even if I didn’t. The airlines make it so easy to change flights now, so it would’ve worked out either way.
As I headed to my next speaking engagement, the next day, a smile came to my face. I was enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings. I was filled with gratitude to be able to go to another school district to speak about inspiration, motivation, and making an incredible impact as an educator. All this while cruising along a nice, calm 71 miles an hour!
Keep surviving and thriving, friends!
