Bob McCarty Writes

Finally, I’ve found scientific evidence to explain why, on occasion, I exhibit road rage. But I still don’t know whether I agree with research that suggests I’m an accomplice to the display of road rage by others. Let me explain.

In salsa terminology, I would characterize my road rage as “mild” rather than “medium,” “hot” or “spicy,” since I rarely leave my vehicle, chase anyone or fire shots from my vehicle. In fact, my behavior after witnessing a driver cut me off or commit some other behind-the-wheel sin usually involves the use of a choice word or two and/or a toot of my car’s horn. Nothing more. And the cause of my behavior can, purportedly, be traced to the fact that I have bumper stickers on my car.

A Colorado State University study, highlighted in a recent Canada.com article, found that an individual who displays at least one personalized item (i.e., a bumper sticker, window decal or vanity plate) on his vehicle is 15 percent more likely than a “blank slate” vehicle owner to retaliate when he feels his territory has been threatened. Not including stickers that indicate my vehicle is legal and passes emission tests in Missouri, I have seven stickers on my vehicle. They are described below:

• Two represent universities to which I’m a loyal alum (i.e., Oklahoma and Oklahoma State);

• One is a GoDishNetwork.net sticker promoting an online business enterprise I own which peddles satellite television entertainment programming;

• Others show my support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the Veterans of Foreign Wars;

• Another shows my belief in the fact that Freedom Isn’t Free; and

• The last one I have is a “W” sticker from the 2008 election season which I have yet to remove despite the fact that it tends to provoke others into exhibiting road rage behavior on occasion.

Now, back to the question of whether I am an accomplice to acts of road rage committed by others.

After considering all of the evidence as well as the reactions I’ve received from one of my most-popular stickers (below), I think I might indeed be an accomplice — but I’d rather you be the judge.

Take a look at the considerable number of bumper stickers I designed and peddle through my online store, The Bob McCarty Shop, and through this blog and other outlets. After you do, please leave a comment below. Thanks in advance!

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