Back to Basics – Driving

This was an interesting essay topic for me and wanted to share my thoughts about driving habits in 2022. In some spare time, I have taken an interest over the last couple of years into simulation racing online. I have always been a gamer but I wanted to take that gaming to a new level. One thing that I have learned from a few of my simulation games and hours put into racing, is to notice my driving habits and others. I have made a conscious effort to learn on how to become a better driver out in the every day road. It really is one reason I wanted to move into a bigger city, to become a better driver. I have learned to try and keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times and now I do not feel comfortable driving with 1 hand. Which is weird because I always have my entire driving career.

Each day driving to work, I can see the countless bad habits we all have created in our driving around town. I see, people riding behind people then cutting off the next lanes. I see people running red lights and speeding. Those are a few common dangerous habits I see out in my daily commute. One thing I do now, if I observe drivers in front and around me and see how they are driving. Are they riding someone right behind them or do they give them room. I feel if I see someone giving someone room then I also should do the same. One thing about being responsible on the road is to not only help myself be a better driver, but I must help those around me be better drivers. It is part of the responsibility. I have somewhat begun the keeping the phone in my pocket while driving, do not even take it out but still catch myself looking at it from time to time. Those times are for me the sketchiest and hope to really lock that bad habit in and sure up my focus.

I try not to speed, usually it is because people are running late. I do not believe anyone for any reason needs to be driving any faster than 75 (on the fastest of highways). It rubs me the wrong way when people are right behind me, only because they want to drive above 80. To me it is breaking the law, and is very dangerous and they deserve to be given tickets. I always have said a 24-hour driving lesson channel should have always been available from the government. A channel that would run all day teaching common driving mistakes and lessons. This is something that could help every body but I doubt it would ever happen.

Even though I now make a conscious effort to be a better driver, I still find myself making mistakes here and there. It really upsets me because I try not to but still do. I have such a respect and aw of formula 1 drivers and GP racers of all kinds. To be able to handle a machine at such speeds and be fearless to me I imagine is just an awesome feeling. There comes a responsibility to anybody who decides to sit behind a wheel. You not only are responsible for your own life but the others around us. It is on us to be conscious to lower the speeding, the tailgating and overall road rage. Becoming better drivers only means safer roads for us and our loved ones.

I really would love to see a government sponsored channel that is 24-hour daily driving lessons and the most common mistakes. I believe being able to see and listen to good habits would really help us as a whole out on the roads. This channel could constantly be updated and even maybe quizzes and perks available to truly reward good driving practices. We could show the most common traffic violations and some of the nations most dangerous roads and turns. These are insightful ideas that should really be considered and lives could be saved on a daily basis. I recall the car chase scene in the movie Demolition Man from the 90’s, and in this scene the self-driving car was wrecked but inside was this foam that kept the driver from being thrown around and ultimately he lived. I always thought that was a pretty cool idea and honestly am surprised that it has not come into fruition yet.