The journey to our destination

Almost everyone carries an irrational fear, whether it is spiders, height, clowns, etc. For many of us, our fears began at a young age from media exposure to scary movies, games, books, or other forms of entertainment. For a very long time, I had an immense fear of driving. My first experience that led to my fear of driving came from a final destination movie. In the movie, I came upon a very detailed road accident that, to my 13-year-old mind, could only be depicted as extremely gruesome. Although that scene was the catalyst for my fear, it didn't stop there; many more real-life experiences continued to intensify it. I stopped viewing a drive to a friend's house, or a ride back home after practice, as a simple trip; instead, I saw it as a gamble that could end your journey long before you reach your destination. Over time, I began to view road accidents not as rare misfortunes but as the inevitable reality of being on the road. 

The relevance of this specific movie scene regarding my fear of driving is not only due it's obvious terrifying nature, but also because of its realistic substance and the illusion of helplessness it creates. As I watched that specific scene, every detail seemed feasible. From the truck driver with logs tied to their truck to the man driving directly behind who spilled his drink on himself and ended up being distracted. My adamant beliefs on the inevitability of car crashes were furthermore bolstered by the precognition theme of the movie. It furthered my thoughts in believing that if a bad accident were to happen, it would be beyond my control or predetermined. As I rewatched the scenes after many years, I came to the realization that believing in helplessness is simply a way I decided to cope with my fears. I noticed details that younger me could not; I realized that although the accident was predicted, there were also safety measures that could've been put in place to prevent it. For instance, the truck driver could've made sure their materials were safely secured on their truck; the man driving behind could've avoided getting serious injuries by keeping his focus on the road rather than getting distracted. Driving is not just about luck, but more about being thoughtful, intentional, and responsible for every choice you make behind the wheel.

My journey of overcoming my fears helped me to understand that safe driving is far more than a personal preference but a responsibility that I owe to society. Every time I get behind the wheel, it is my priority to make safe decisions not only for my own well-being but for those in my surroundings. The many ways I practice safe driving are by making sure that I have no distractions and pay attention to my surroundings, avoiding driving while under the influence or sleepy, and encouraging safety inside the car. I prevent distractions by applying routines such as making my playlist before I get in the car to avoid looking down at my phone, engaging in conversations with passengers to a minimum, and always making sure to be attentive to signs and other cars around me.  Another risk factor is driving under the influence or while sleepy; I refrain from driving if I do not feel well rested and discourage anyone from driving under the influence. Lastly, I practice safety inside the car and encourage passengers to practice it as well by sitting correctly with seatbelts on; safety starts within. I even go as far as reminding other people to apply these in their own car. For instance, if I notice my friends or family members using their phone, I remind them of the importance of safe driving.

Looking back, what started simply as a reaction to a triggering scene took me on many learning experiences but also a path of self-discovery through the lens of fellowship. I no longer view the road as a place of unpredictable hazards, but a shared space comprising unique individuals with their own lives and our shared goals of reaching our destination. Although considered a small part of our lives, driving has immense impact on society and is a reflection of who we are. As we take the initiative to be on the road, we actively choose to put patience over haste, attentiveness over distractions, and understanding over inconsideration. Driving is not only a privilege, as the population likes to describe, but also a responsibility that must always be upheld through safety.  As I sit in the driver's seat, I recognize that driving is not just about getting from one place to another but about actively making life-altering decisions through the journey.