Getting driving lessons is a major milestone in life since it often leads to a totally different way of life and newfound freedom. For me, it was a reminder of a great responsibility. It was not just about learning the mechanics of the car; it was much more facing this part of my history that made a difference to me in terms of road safety. One almost-accident during my lessons was a grim reminder of my childhood accident that almost claimed my life. Pictures of her frightened face and tears filled my thoughts as I became a more cautious driver today.
This was during one of my novice’s driving lessons. The instructor and I were at a busy intersection where caution about traffic was the major determination in survival. I was hard at work making good turns and lane changes when out of nowhere a car sped right past a red traffic signal toward us. Everything was in slow motion for a while, and I could feel my heart racing as I tried to grasp what was happening. My instructor slammed on the brakes just in time, and we barely escaped impact. Shaken, I regained my breath until something from my childhood hit me almost like an epiphany.
I was probably five years old. My daycare provider picked me up from school as usual, except that day was not like any ordinary day. While on our way back, we went into a car accident. I barely remember the accident; I remember what followed, though. The car was wrecked; I was frightened not quite understanding what had just transpired. The most vivid recollection I have is that of my mother on the crash scene. I could still picture her, the tears rolling down her face, eyes full of fear, and walking limbs that shook as she hugged me. Once the man would-be my protector, now a woman I saw to be so frail.
At this moment, it hit home how much life is fragile. Ever since, the fear in her eyes and the thought of what might have been have stayed with me. Then and there, something sudden and unexpected could have caused her great injury and perhaps taken her away from me. That was a memory buried deep in my head until it resurfaced in my driving class, almost in tandem with yet another impending accident.
There was a day during my driving lesson I remember well, about the time I nearly collided with a car. That incident opened my eyes to the fact that driving is about people I care for too. What I do behind the wheel can have consequences for them. In that moment of fear, I could visualize my mother and the fear I saw in her eyes so many years ago. Suddenly it dawned on me that every time I drive, I am responsible not only for my safety but for the safety of everyone sharing the road with me. I do not want to witness that fear in my near ones again.
That memory became a reason for me to stay alert and careful about what can happen because of my driving. I promised myself that I would not let carelessness ruin my peace of mind or endanger anyone else's safety. Having such a moment, I never looked at road safety the same way again. I became extra careful in obeying all traffic rules, observing everything happening around me, and anticipating what other drivers would do. Whether traveling through quiet streets or busy intersections, I keep that picture of my mother's tear-soaked face running through my mind. This is my unwavering reminder about the importance of being careful and alert, all the time.
Now, driving is no longer just running errands; because of these memories, driving is a responsibility I take with utter seriousness. Each time I sit in the driver's seat, I recall those memories from my past: to always drive defensively, to be alert and attentive, and to never take safety for granted. It is not just about avoiding accidents for myself; it’s about making sure nobody else is put at risk. That childhood experience and the fear have made me a better driver. I never want to see tears in my mother's eyes again, nor do I want anyone to feel that kind of pain. Roads can be full of surprises, but being conscious allows me to ensure my driving mirrors these lessons I carry with me every time I drive.