If I tried to do that in a grocery store it would most likely cause a scene, the cashier may refuse to ring my items up, people would start bitching, and it would most likely turn into a very unpleasant situation for everyone.
When I do this in a car, it is done and over with in a matter of seconds, nobody bitches and everyone goes on with their lives.
If I could ask another driver to go in front of them I would, but, unfortunately, I am unable to do that in most circumstances. And even if I could, I'd just be slowing down traffic that way.
You're slowing down traffic anyway...but that's not a big deal. The key is recognizing the discrepancy that for reasons that are purely your own, you do not think it's acceptable to do this on foot.
So on to this:
Also, I don't see how me acting in one situation has anything to do with another.
The relationship between the two is that it's a representation of one's moral code.
In the US/Canada/UK, we hold queues to such a high social standard that most of us routinely commit misdemeanors and minor crimes (speeding, rolling stops, jaywalking) on a daily basis yet we would not commit the perfectly legal act of cutting in line (which carries only social consequences) except in the most extreme of circumstances.
Unless we're driving...then it somehow all goes out the window for some people.
But as human beings, shouldn't we have a single, consistent moral code?
At some point in my life I considered this. If I don't think it's acceptable to cut lines when I'm on foot, but it's OK when I'm driving, it means that I somehow have a a different moral code when I'm driving. As our morals largely drive how we act and respond in different situations they are integral to who we are as people.
It basically means that I'm a different person when I get behind the wheel. And I just can't live with that. I'm a strong, intelligent, educated person. I drive the car; it does not drive me. My views on right and wrong should not be altered by the simple act of driving. Otherwise, what am I? If I'm OK with this, what stops me from justifying just about anything? I can even justify robbing banks...if the other suckers want to work all their lives to get paid, that's their problem. I just can't do that. I am better than that.
This is not at all about whether it's moral or virtuous to wait in line. I simply do not have the balls to cut lines on foot, and getting behind the wheel does not constitute growing a pair - that's how people get hurt. If someone has the guts to cut lines both on foot and behind the wheel, I may think they are a jerk (or at least not familiar with our cultural mores) but at least that jerk has a clear, consistent moral stance on the matter and in so doing is more philosophically advanced than someone who just allows their moral compass to drift with the winds and tides, choosing ad hoc what's right and wrong based on what he's doing at a given time.
I simply have to be better than that even if it means resisting the urge to just cut ahead and score an extra half hour of time with my baby daughter. I am not a unique and beautiful snowflake. I am not more important than anyone else on the road. I do not have the right to put other human beings at risk of property damage or bodily harm just to save myself some time. I must stay true to myself whether I am walking, driving or doing anything else.
At great length (too great, I'm sure) that is what one situation has to do with the other.
I know this is probably way too deep and philosophical for ATOT, but honestly if everyone thought about this driving would probably more enjoyable, safer and more efficient for us all.
Thanks to those who read all that. Even if you don't agree, I hope it at least made you think.