It all started when I was 15 years old. My Dad decided the best place to start learning how to drive was our local cemetery. In his words "At least no one will bother us, and we can't kill anyone,” I was a bit concerned but concern turned into relief as I mastered the skill of turning, braking, backing up, turning around and acceptable speed limits. I did have close call with a headstone once when I got the gas and brake mixed up, thankfully I was only going five miles an hour at the time. Even though there wasn’t a soul around (no pun intended), I learned the lessons of how this two- ton vehicle can become a weapon. A weapon that can injure, kill and change lives forever if not operated responsibly. My Mom eventually jumped in to help with the teaching, at the beginning there was a bit of white-knuckle reactions from her and at times panic, but she began to enjoy the ride as my skills improved and refined.
After a few months I graduated to back roads and side streets watching for children and keeping my eyes on the road without fail. I began driver’s education online, then road lessons. The road lessons were effortless because of the time that my mom and Dad had already invested into my learning. I sat in the backseat during other student’s lessons and began to understand why teaching a teenager how to drive can be a bit frightening. At least half of the students had never been behind the wheel of a car until those lessons.
My family likes to travel so this like turned into a lot of highway miles of driving, Boston, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Hampshire. My sense of direction and sense of adventure are starting to take root and a good way, I have no worry about getting in the car and driving places I have never been. Mom says that she is “Directionally Challenged,” so happy that I am not. Now when we drive together, I tend to be the one leading the way. It’s nice taking care of her and getting time together as we navigate our journeys alongside of each other.
I exist within the culture of technology addiction. My generation is constantly in contact with a device. I have worked on disciplining myself to put my phone out of reach while I am driving now that I am officially legal to do so. Between Driver’s education and lessons from my parents I have been soberly made aware of how things can happen in the blink of an eye.
Some common causes of Accidents as many of us know are texting, talking on the phone, eating or engaging in any behavior that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Another common cause is speeding which reduces the driver’s ability to react in a timely manner, increases stopping distance, and magnifies the severity of accidents. Fatigue, aggressive driving behaviors (such as tailgating and road rage), and failure to follow traffic rules and additional factors that can lead to accidents on the road.
Safe driving is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and cooperation of all road users. By understanding the importance of safe driving, recognizing common cause of accidents, and implementing practical tips, we can contribute to a safer road environment. Remember, every decision made behind a wheel had the potential to save lives. Just as we want to protect our own family members and friends, we should be constantly aware of the fact that other drivers are someone’s family member or friend. I will close with some safety tips I have picked up over the past year and a half. Stay focused and minimize distractions, observe speed limits by adhering to posted signs, never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, maintain safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you, check blind spots, buckle up, avoid aggressive drivers, be aware of weather conditions especially living in New England, observe traffic laws: respect traffic signals, stop signs, and other road regulations, use turn signals: always use turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians, allowing them to know your actions and as we say in new England “Use your Blinkah.”
I am striving to become a safe driver and minimize any chances of my vehicle being responsible for damage injury or death. I believe if I adhere to what I have learned academically and physically to my driving this goad is daily attainable.