Going in Blind

Educating oneself in driving is a crucial part of learning. Would you try to bake a cake without knowing anything about baking? I doubt it. Even if you went ahead and tried to bake a cake blindly, do you think it would actually turn out good? Of course not! The cake is likely to end up burnt, inconsistent, dense, and tasting bad. So why continue attempting to bake with only your own knowledge? Why are there so many fatal accidents related to driving? The answer is simple. People believe they know it all. They rely on their own knowledge, their gut instinct, to lead them through the maze of vehicles and pedestrians.

However, instead of going into the driving world naked, people should clothe themselves with the armor of knowledge. Obey road signs, obey traffic lights, watch your surroundings, and stay focused. Road signs are there to help you understand what to do and what not to do. Learn how to read those road signs and follow their directions. If there are people working ahead, be careful for them. Pedestrians walk here? Watch out. Entering a school zone? Slow down. The signs are there to guide you. Traffic lights are the same. They’re there to regulate traffic and allow everybody a turn to get where they’re going. Follow them like you would a sign. If you’re running late, your life simply isn’t worth the risk. Stay focused and watch your surroundings for oncoming animals or pedestrians.

Now it seems that things are going alright. Right? No. The world isn’t a lonesome place. There are people out there who have gone in blind and are susceptible to making fatal mistakes that are capable of bringing a variety of others down with them. And then there are the predators who only care about their own self. Uncaring, they bring a sword of aggressiveness that can strike down a naïve driver who thinks that they’re completely protected by their armor. That is why shields are necessary. Shields are precautions that can protect a driver from the other not-so-safe drivers.

Keeping a distance, learning how to spot and avoid aggressive drivers, waiting your turn, and, once again, pay attention. Keeping a distance while driving allows for a safety net in case an accident happens up a head. It is generally recommended that you keep one car-length between yourself and the car ahead of you for every 10 miles per hour that you are traveling. Continue to add more distance in bad weather. Be wary of aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers are typically found speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, sticking close to other people’s cars, and/or deliberately trying to bring about harm. The best situation is to avoid them and don’t anger or annoy them. If they are glued to your bumper, switch lanes and allow them to pass. Wait your turn and don’t force yourself into people’s way. Use your blinkers and make sure that people understand where you’re going.

Don’t become another number. Don’t become another statistic. Armor up with the driving do’s, don’ts, and how-to’s. Shield yourself as you pay attention to the other drivers around you. Spread the word; the more educated drivers, the less accidents. Drive safe.