Driving Awareness

Driver education increases awareness of the importance of being mentally present when you are behind the wheel of a car. Not taking the process of driving for granted, driver education aids in breaking down the process into usable steps towards increasing safety. Some steps may seem simple, but it is because they seem like they would just be natural that they are often overlooked or skipped. Making sure your car is ready to be driven by adjusting your seat and mirrors before you even start the car, can help ensure that you have maximum control of your vehicle. When getting in your car, you should take a look at the tires and make sure the tire pressure appears to be alright. Tire pressure can often change during different climates or a slow leak can cause the pressure to decrease to a level that the tire is no longer at its optimum traction. Regular tire maintenance, as well as car maintenance, can help ensure that your car is able to handle sudden stops and give you every advantage to manage your speed and control. Reducing your distractions during a ride in your car can also make a difference in ensuring you are mentally present and ready to act or react if needed. Such things as a blasting radio or loud and distracting talking can lead to losing focus on your number one priority, which is to drive safely with awareness and caution.

Another way to be prepared for driving is to know where you are going. When you are driving you can often see drivers making illegal or risky turns because they are lost and unsure of where to go. Take the time ahead of starting a journey to find the location you haven’t been to before by looking it up on Mapquest or another mapping site. These sites can offer not only a map of the roads, but also give a picture of the actual roads and buildings along the route. You can look for landmarks and buildings around your final location to better prepare you to make your turn. You can also look for parking and know what your plan will be to reduce stress and avoid having to make decisions in the middle of the route. While having the map up on your phone can be helpful, if you need to make a change you want to ensure you are not having to handle your phone while driving. Taking a few minutes to plan ahead and know where you are going and parking can help you avoid taking risks during your drive.

It is very important to also be aware of how you are feeling. If you are sick, have you taken any medicine, prescribed or over the counter, they may make you feel foggy and get in the way of focusing on what you are doing. Beyond how you feel physically, also stay aware of how you are feeling emotionally. If you are upset, crying, angry, or frustrated, you may not be in the best head space to get behind the wheel of a car. Take a moment to assess your physical and mental fitness.

When I was 10 years old, I was in a traffic accident. Luckily no one was hurt, but we barely missed a telephone pole and the car was totaled. I can remember the incident in detail, the sound of the wheels, the crushing metal, and being jerked about. Luckily, we had our seat belts on, which saved us from injury. Even with the seat beats, there was bruising, but it could have been so much worse. I remember being very shaken up. The other driver was distracted by their child in the back seat and ran through a red light. They hit us broadside. We were in a little car and they had a much larger car, not to mention they were going fast. Though I was very young, I recall this experience often when I’m driving and I’m extra careful at intersections.

Driving with awareness and paying attention to not only the rules of the road, but to you own engagement in the process of driving can save lives. Check your car before you drive, keep distractions to a minimum, and be engaged in the process of driving. Take the time to check your route before you even get in the car. Know where you are going and where you will be parking. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility.