We all know or have seen that one driver on the road neglecting proper driving courtesy and creating havoc and it’s usually not a pretty sight. With increasingly more vehicles out on the street, ranging from inexperienced, newly licensed drivers to older drivers, it is pretty clear the risk factors that we all face simply by getting into our cars and going places. Whether we’re driving ten minutes to the mall, or an hour to school, I want to emphasize how important it is to drive with caution, especially with how easy it is to zone out as you let your muscle memory take over. Although this isn’t a risk campaign to teach you the importance of driving safely, it is a reminder to each and every one of you the importance of driving with caution and with most importantly, respect. While I do live over an hour away from campus, driving has become second nature, which is why I want to share and remind all of you the following concerns regarding being out there on the road.
Everyone has places to be.
Don’t be that aggressive lane cutter. Rather, follow the ease of the traffic flow and take turns merging! If a zipper merge is set up, take that as your chance to merge by alternating one at a time. A good way to do so is to remind yourself to be patient as you follow the flow of the traffic. Time and time again, I’ve witnessed some crazy, impatient vehicles forcefully merging when they shouldn’t and abruptly creating chaos in the traffic flow. Don’t be that person! No matter how late you are, keep in mind the repercussions of one, single mistake on the road.
Driving is more than just moving your vehicle wherever you please.
It’s about maneuvering your car with a keen awareness of where your car is positioned in relation to other vehicles around you. As a licensed driver for over four years now, I’m a firm believer that experience weighs a ton on the overall driving level of an individual. A great way to exercise awareness is by making a habit out of checking your rearview mirror, side mirrors, and shoulder checks once in awhile, even if you’re not initially planning to change lanes.
You say you’re a good driver?
Better yet, strive to be an experienced driver. It sure equates to a whole lot of safer outcomes. Experience in the form of driving comes not from how well you drive straight, make a turn, or speed up a little on the gas pedal. It’s about knowing your placement in relation to others, and making wise decisions – whether that may be a lane change, highway merge or large intersection turns. Driving well has nothing to do with how fast you can go. Driving well means you’re experienced enough to know to drive carefully, respectfully and at ease.
Do you really know your signs?
Despite the written exam, most of us forget some of these road signs. Do you know when to yield, or when it’s your right of way? If your answer is no, it’s time to re-learn these fundamental road knowledge. Speaking from experience, it’s not exactly the best idea to be unsure of a road sign while you’re on the road. It only makes you second-guess and slow your reaction as you plan how you will react accordingly to the vehicles around you.
Although I’m by no means a road expert, I have cultivated a couple years of road knowledge and particular factors that I think is so significant to remind drivers – new and old. Even till today, I’m still learning things about the road and how I drive through every day experience. The notion of getting into a car and driving has become normalized into our everyday routines that sometimes, we tend to forget the risks that come with it, and the repercussions that we can easily face with one mistake. What we need more of are reminders to spark discourse surrounding safe driving. For me, a simple “Drive safe!” from my mom in the morning serves the intention perfectly and really works to instill the reminder into my thoughts for the rest of the day. To better, safer driving everyone!