The Car Effect

Have you ever noticed how people do many embarrassing things in their cars, surrounded by windows, yet don't think anyone can see them? I've pondered (and been caught doing some crazy things) this phenomenon for years, and have dubbed it "The Car Effect."

On my way home from work today, I was stopped at a stop light, and happened to look over at the driver next to me. I caught them just as they were going to town picking their nose. Gross, right? Well, I was horrified and disgusted, yet managed to laugh a little at the driver, when they looked over and saw that I had caught them. Yeah, that's right, you're surrounded by windows. I CAN SEE YOU!!

I usually get caught rockin' out in my car. Once, I was again at a stop light, singing along to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. Now, thanks to "Wayne's World", I don't think anyone can hear this song in their car without dancing along, and I am no exception. Sure enough, when I got to the big crescendo at the end, I looked at the car next to me, and received a round of applause. Oh well, at least they enjoyed it.

On another occasion, I was riding in a friend's car, when a particularly poigniant Chicago song from the 80's came on the radio. How can you resist the warblings of a Peter Cetera lead Chicago when there is such angst within the song? Naturally, I chose to sing to the other passengers, only to see that a car passing us on the freeway was full of people laughing their asses off at my emotional rendition of the song. They were probably just jealous they were listening to some other crap.

So, what have you seen or done in a car when you think no one's looking? Hey, guess what? I guarantee you someone's watching.