Should I: do what I think is right, no matter what? Or consider the group's perspective?

Question

I'm driving a group of 9 people in a van, across a lonely desert highway in Arizona, at 80 mph (cruise control). We all want to get home to L.A. quick because we have to work in the morning. THe ride is smooth for the most part, but occasional ripples in the road send the van bouncing and make the passengers (especially the ladies) nervous. They (not so nicely) request that I slow down. Now, I am faced with a choice:

1. Be a strong individual, and keep going 80 (which is a safe, reasonable 5 mph over the speed limit) and get us home sooner...taking the belief that they're all just being wussy and will calm down after a while.

2. Slow down to 70 mph (cruise control) and watch RV's pass us by and get home later. I can take the embarrasment of being passed by large trucks, but 'caving in to other people's demands', when I know they are not grounded in reality (just in unreasonable fear) doesn't sit well with me.

I chose to slow down to 70, but feel like I did the wrong thing..

Answer 1

I don't you think you feel you did the wrong thing as much as you felt stupid/less masculine because people were passing you. There fear isn't totally unreasonable. 80 is a high speed even though it's legal, you are more at a risk of losing control of your car going that fast than going slower.
It was good that you did slow down. Why make others uncomfortable if you don't have to? why not play it safe? 70 is still a fast speed. and when you are in a group you have to compromise.
now if they asked you to drop it lower than 70 (if the speed limit is 75 like you said) than they are not being fair. I would even say it would have been fair to ask to speed up after their fear eased. when people have adrenile in their system (from fear in this case) they are more aware of things and not in a normal state of mind. once they calmed down they may realize going 80 isn't that bad- they may also like 70 better no matter what
you did the right thing by considering everyone's emotions

Answer 2

Of course you did the wrong thing... at the right time. tis 'better to acquiesce and fore go other issues.