I saw something this morning that scared the hell out of me. It was enough to make me want to pull over and take my organization's magnet decal off of the side of my car because I was afraid that someone might think I was affiliated with the IDIOT in the "Shall Remain Unnamed" Fire Department guilty of the following traffic transgression:

The Scene: A busy four lane artery outside of the metro area of Albany.

The issue: Some form of fire "emergency" (turns out it was a fire at a tire retail facility with numerous departments already on scene).

The Situation: Peak commuter drive time, all four lanes are clogged with impatient drivers fighting to get to work on time

The Idiocy: A Chief's vehicle (???????!!!!!) --SUV, is blocked from a clear path to the next major intersecion (about 400 feet away)

The Solution?: I watched in a mixture of horror and amazement as the Chief's car entered into the oncoming traffic's lane and began weaving in and out of the oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed. I never saw his brake lights once. Not once.

The Result: A vehicular rodeo. I watched as cars left in the wake of said Chief's vehicle veered right, veered left, screeched to a halt, and managed, through the grace of some higher power, to avoid a multi-car collision. I looked to my right to see the driver of the car next to me having the whole "Home Alone" McCauley Culkin-hands clasped to the side of the face--mouth hanging open--reaction.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????

When does the safety training kick in? Where's the common sense? Why are you guys trying to kill each other and the public?