What's the Rush???

Being a REALTOR, I relish one of the perks of being self-employed and that is not having to sit in rush hour traffic day in and day out.  Myself having suffered a life changing injury I have become much more laid back as a result.  Laid back meaning I don't sweat the small stuff.  On those days when I do find myself in rush hour traffic, I look around and view what I can almost describe as pure misery.  It is like one big rat race trying to get to the next signal light first.  What's up with that?  Is there a prize if you get to the red light first?  Or better yet is the jerk who dangerously weaves in and out of traffic, to yup, you guessed it "he got to the red light first".  Big whoop!  For goodness sakes, it is not worth being in an accident for what? Seconds less on the road!!  I just don't get it?  Can anybody out there explain the insanity to me.  Thanks!