Over, Under, In-between

Khloe Kardashian once saved her family from being crushed to death by a big rig due to her impeccable skill at maneuvering her vehicle. The expertise she demonstrated is not something that can be taught, it is a skill that is hard won by keeping a calm demeanor and having driven for years on the road.

Yet, I feel as though that should not be the case. Taking a few driving classes might be the prerequisite to getting a driver’s license, but those classes are by far lacking when it comes to imparting practical knowledge. A host of new drivers know little outside of driving straight and backing up. True driving skills usually in the years following earning a license.

However, time is a luxury that should not be par for the course when it comes to driving. A new driver cannot be expected to be able to dodge an oncoming flatbed that spiraled out of control nor might they be able to avoid a speeding truck headed straight towards them.

While these may be one off events with a narrow margin of being actualized, accidents do occur every day. Without ensuring that first time drivers are equipped with the skills they need, it might be negligent to continue to allow the ease in which people are able to access driving licenses.

In my beginning stages as a driver, I was in a minor fender bender with a semi-truck. As I live in New York City, an illegally parked truck blocking a lane on a two-way two-lane street is the norm. NYC drivers know how to regulate the flow of traffic in the situations and usually do not need a traffic cop.

Although I was fresh out of driving school, I felt completely confident that I could handle the situation. All the cars lined up and took turns in the single lane. When I got to the front of the line I expected the conduct to be much the same for me. Color me disappointed when I encountered the one driver who wanted to assert that he had the right of way and was not going to yield to me.

He charged me head on and in a game of chicken I am it, so I swerved out of his car into the semi. My car took the brunt of the damage, but my confidence was shaken. I was terrified. I almost got into a serious accident and I thought my parents were going to kill me since I damaged the entire right side of my car.

In my panicked state, I almost continued on driving home. I managed to come to my senses less than half a block away and had a peaceful resolution with the driver as I’d only damaged my car, but years later I still wonder whether or not I could have been better prepared for that incident.

Driving school should bear more of the burden of responsibility when it comes to teaching their students road safety. Perhaps new regulations should be enforced on what skills are necessary requirements before handing out a passing mark on a road test.