Driving “Like A Grandma” Isn’t So Bad!

When I was 15, I got my driving permit, and like many new drivers, I thought I was ready for anything. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel and experience the freedom that comes with driving. My mom was incredibly supportive and took me everywhere, allowing me to gain a variety of experiences on the road. But even with all the encouragement, I quickly learned that driving isn’t as simple as it seems—it requires responsibility, caution, and, sometimes, a slower, more careful approach. Through my journey, I realized that driving like a grandma—being extra cautious—might not be so bad after all.

When I signed up for driving school, I took a class 20 minutes down the freeway from my house. That course taught me the right balance of confidence and caution. In the driving portion, I did really well, scoring near-perfect marks. However, I made one small mistake when I nervously knocked the gear into neutral before shifting into drive. Despite that, I felt proud of my progress. Washington State has one of the hardest driver’s exams, with the written driving test being notoriously difficult. Even though I was an A student and had aced all my practice tests, I failed the written exam twice. The pressure and nerves got to me, and I overthought the questions. But after my third attempt, I finally passed with flying colors. Those failures were frustrating, but they taught me to approach driving—and life—with patience and resilience.

These early experiences helped shape my approach to driving. I knew how hard I worked to earn my license, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away by driving recklessly. I am cautious behind the wheel because I know the importance of being a responsible driver. I learned that driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about ensuring the safety of myself and others on the road. This mindset has followed me through my journey, and it has kept me grounded in my approach to driving.

Since moving to Arizona, I’ve realized that driving habits here are much bolder and more aggressive than in Washington. Drivers tend to speed, tailgate, and weave through traffic. It can be intimidating at times, but I’ve relied on the skills I developed as a young driver, especially my tendency to drive cautiously. I may drive like a grandma in the sense that I always make sure to drive at a safe speed, stay a good distance away from other cars, and avoid unnecessary risks, but I know it’s what keeps me safe in an environment where fast and reckless driving is the norm. When anyone teases me for my safe habits, I know that I have a driving record free of accidents and infractions, having been licensed for nearly four years. That’s something to be said, and I am proud of my safety on the road.

The importance of driving education is key to reducing accidents and fatalities on the road, especially for young drivers. Driving education helps new drivers understand the rules of the road, the dangers of speeding, and the risks associated with distracted driving. But it also teaches something crucial: the value of caution. For many young drivers, there’s a rush to prove themselves by driving fast or aggressively. But driving safely doesn’t mean driving slowly or timidly—it means being aware of your surroundings, making careful decisions, and understanding that the road is a shared space with many potential dangers. In fact, the idea of driving like a grandma, as some might joke, is really about driving responsibly and with foresight. It’s about recognizing the risks and adjusting your driving accordingly.

For me, having a strong foundation in safe driving habits has made me a better, more confident driver. I’m aware of my surroundings at all times, and I make sure not to get distracted while driving. Texting, eating, or even putting on makeup while driving—these are things that could easily cause accidents. I’ve learned the importance of staying focused on the road and never letting distractions take away from my ability to make good decisions.

In my personal experience, I’ve also seen how dangerous driving recklessly can be. I’ve witnessed friends and family members drive irresponsibly, speeding or using their phones while driving. It’s a sobering reminder of how easy it is to make a dangerous mistake, and I’ve tried to talk to those around me about the importance of focusing on the road. When I’ve been in the car with someone driving carelessly, I’ve always spoken up, reminding them to slow down, put their phone away, or pay attention to the road. We all have a responsibility to protect not only ourselves but others who share the road.

I believe one of the most effective ways to reduce driving fatalities is to promote a culture of caution on the road. This includes encouraging driver education, better law enforcement, and a shift in how we think about safe driving. Rather than emphasizing speed and efficiency, we should be focusing on safety. To be a better and safer driver, I plan to continue driving carefully, sticking to the speed limits, and staying alert at all times. I also aim to encourage others to drive responsibly by setting a good example and having open conversations about the dangers of distracted or impaired driving.

Moreover, there’s a need for better mentorship when it comes to learning how to drive. I was fortunate to have my mom and driving school instructors guide me through the process. But not every new driver has access to experienced, knowledgeable mentors. More programs that pair new drivers with experienced, safe drivers would be an excellent way to foster good habits and help young people learn how to make responsible decisions on the road. I believe it’s essential for new drivers to gain real-life experience from those who practice safe driving every day.

In conclusion, driver education is crucial in reducing accidents and fatalities on the road. While confidence is important, caution is even more critical. By learning the importance of driving safely, avoiding distractions, and respecting the rules of the road, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment. And while it may not seem glamorous or exciting, driving like a grandma isn’t such a bad thing—it’s the key to making sure we all arrive at our destinations safely.