It’s All In Your Head

We think of it as a regular everyday task. We go to work, get groceries, meet with friends all the time, and never second guess or take a second to think when we get behind the wheel. We even at times are in a rush and get frustrated at the people around us when we do decide to drive. While we all are human and often get on the road to get wherever we need to go we must consider the safety of not only ourselves but the people around us when we do decide to drive. We must practice mindfulness when driving to ensure that not only we are practicing safe driving habits but also hold the people close to us accountable because while it might not be you that gets hurt it may be someone’s loved one.

Getting behind the wheel might be the most dangerous thing that a lot of us do daily and we must give this mundane task the attention it deserves. According to Forbes, about three thousand people die in car accidents due to distracted driving. These deaths are preventable with small changes in not only our environment but also our mindset. Distracted driving can be either visual, cognitive, or manual and all involve multiple factors taking the driver’s full attention away from the road. Small tasks that we all have done such as fixing your makeup in the mirror or reaching for a drink can have grave consequences in a matter of seconds. That is why we must practice mindfulness and just always be present when driving. That small task can wait and will not change how quickly you get to your destination, and you will probably do better at them after you finish driving anyway! So instead of trying to do multiple things at once take a second and realize it is better to do either before or after you get behind the wheel and make sure your driving environment is free from as many distractions as possible. The kids can wait for their sippy cup!

“The best offense is a great defense” is a saying that all my coaches would constantly repeat to me daily. This saying flows past the realm of athletics and also applies to everyone behind the wheel. It is easy to get wrapped in our heads and egos about what someone else is doing. People can be crazy sometimes! While this is true we don’t have to engage in those same behaviors. Just take a second to relax and breathe and watch that rode rage roll away like the Nissan that cut you off. Applyings habits to your commuting can save your life. Small habits such as staying out of people’s blind spots, staying in your lane, and keeping a proper amount of space.

It is also important to recognize the effects that our actions have on others. Behind each car is a persons loved one. A mother, father, brother, sister, or child can be in the car next to you and they want to make it home just as much as anyone else not to mention the pedestrians around you. Three years ago, my grandfather passed away due to a car accident where he was hit by a reckless driver speeding in a residential area. This shook me and my family to its core, he was always bursting with life-cracking jokes and talking all of his grandkid’s ears off. I miss his voice, and the sports drinks he would give us on a hot day, and only now realize that all the yapping he was doing was valuable advice that I now use daily. He would always tell me to take my time and do things right and that there was “no rush” For that reason and experience it is imperative that not only we not speed but hold the people we know accountable.

Life is priceless and everyone is someone to somebody. If you are going to be late or are running low on time it is ok to take the time to get there safely and ensure that the other pedestrians and drivers around, you can getwhere they go. Try and be mindful of time and leave a little earlier to get where you need to go in case of any hiccups.

In conclusion, it is imperative that we as a people respect the road and take driving seriously. Taking the second to relax and set your environment can eliminate a lot of stress and distractions, driving defensively can keep you out of a lot of unfavorable situations, and refraining from speeding can not only save your life but ensure that all the people around you can return to their loved ones.