Driving: Commodity, Luxury and Thrill

To me, driving has been the go-to activity that helps me gather thoughts while getting myself and my family from point A to B either for chores or gathering or for leisure.

I understand that driving is a luxury for a lot of people, and now, for me as well. Coming to a whole new country to upskill and achieve a part of my goal has been a challenge.

Drivers share the same space on the road, regardless of their motivations, necessity or pleasure, or a combination of the two. Everyone must abide by the same set of guidelines established to maintain safety and order in this shared environment. It is impossible to exaggerate how crucial these laws are, they provide the foundation for all drivers’ behaviour, reducing chaos and accident rates.

Furthermore, varying views on driving may result in a range of behaviours when driving. Leisure drivers may take chances that more cautious drivers would not, which could result in confrontations. This emphasizes how important it is to have a common knowledge of safe driving practices and protocols. Driving can be exhilarating, but it’s important to keep in mind that the road is a common environment that needs to be used with respect and responsibility for all users. Understanding these many driving forces can help us all on the road by encouraging a cooperative and safe culture as we negotiate our journeys.

Driving education plays a major role here. The people that drive for the experience can do so effortlessly, there are people that go through a myriad of emotions. The accidents are mostly caused by fear or careless multitasking. Driving education will keep drivers aware of their duties and the rules they have to follow. Adding a practical section in the driver’s education will help them build confidence as well as reflex necessary to tackle the vehicle during unforeseeable circumstances.

Having driven for over five years back in India, I was approached to teach my older cousin to drive. We started off with a manual transmission car. This did not agree with her and so we switched to driving an automatic car. After a few practice rounds in a secluded place and the traffic zone, we decided to go out shopping with her in the driver seat and me as a passenger next to her. There was a U-turn that she took without noticing a person in a two-wheeler to her right and ended up crashing into him.

While this is an understandable honest mistake, what she did next was, I think is the reason majority of accidents become fatal. Before getting along with the narration, I would like to assure you that everything was alright. The person had only scraped his knee.

Getting back, my cousin freaked out and pressed down on acceleration while the steering was turned to extreme left. I pushed her leg away and pulled on the handbrake. Since the car was still accelerating, it jumped on the road’s divider when I pulled on the handbrake, damaging the wheels.

In this scenario, as an experienced driver, I was aware of the situation and was able to act while my cousin gave in to the fear. All was well in the end but this could have ended badly and this is why I think from experience, driver education is necessary.

It will not only ensure the driver’s knowledge of the traffic rules and driving techniques but also provide the reflex necessary to act at times of unfortunate incidents. The excitement and sense of control could get to the driver’s head quickly. This emotional aspect involved in the activity can lead to dangerous situations, especially when unexpected circumstances arise.

Along with the technical education necessary to be able to manoeuvre a car, the school also instils a sense of responsibility in the driver along with the reflex required to act decisively during an unfortunate situation.

We as drivers on the road should all take responsibility. If we find ourselves, as an experienced driver on the road with someone that is learning to drive, we must go on with patience and care so as to not scare the learners. This will help build their confidence and appreciate the art of driving responsibly. A moment is all required for things to get better or worse. That moment, we can spare through compassion. Like a well-oiled machine, our road experiences can get smooth with everyone enjoying a drive.

In conclusion, driving is a complex activity that encompasses a range of motivations—from the need for transportation to the thrill of the ride. Regardless of the reason, all drivers share the responsibility of ensuring safety on the roads. Comprehensive driver education, including practical training, is vital in equipping new drivers with the skills and confidence needed to navigate these challenges effectively. As we continue to share our roads, fostering a culture of responsible driving through education will help reduce accidents and create a safer environment for everyone.