The Calmly Frightening Cab Driver

Two nights ago I rode with the least aggressive cabbie I have EVER seen. I noticed right away that he wasn't trying to run everyone over like all the other times I've ridden in a cab in NYC.

But every time we would come to a stop, I would see the light turn green and he wouldn't budge. Now, it was 2am so there weren't always people right behind us. But soon enough, someone would pull up and LAAAAAY on the horn.

It happened at almost every light. (And there's a lot of lights between Penn Station and the UN) And the thing was... he wasn't looking down or around the car. From my angle in the back seat it looked like he was looking straight forward, which made it all the more confusing.

Do I say something? Or clear my throat? I mean... ummm... green light, go. Anyone?

Especially someone who drives for a living?

So about 6 blocks from Ma's apartment... I could see his reflection in the rear view mirror. Again... green light... nothing... HOOOOONK... and he goes.

HE WAS CLOSING HIS EYES AND TAKING A NAP AT EVERY LIGHT!

How's that for safety!? Made me feel REALLY good. But at this point we were so close, and I knew we only had 1 more light to go through, so I bit my tongue... agonized over "do I tip him horribly because he's falling asleep at stop lights? Or do I tip him really well because Good Lord I feel sorry for the guy. That is one sleepy dude." (That was pretty much my exact internal monologue) So I split the difference, tipped him average, and RAN.

Not sure I'll ever again experience such a calmly frightening cab ride!

Peace. Love. Fiddle.

~natalie