The Golden Rules of DrivingNov 05 '00 Write an essay on this topic.We've all been down this road before: you are on your way home at 5 o'clock from a very long day, minding your business, and some jerk cuts you off. Now this scenario is absolutely common and has happened to every one of us, but what's not so common is the way we handle it. Each person reacts differently, whether it be with anger, a rude gesture, or maybe by slowing down and giving an inconsiderate driver wide berth. We all know what we should do, but we don't always do it. Why? Because we take driving personally! Other drivers can definitely affront your sensibilities, but you will never change them. But you can change you. I propose that we each become the best driver we are able. Realize that you will meet idiots on the road, and learn how to turn the other cheek. This is probably one of the hardest things to do, especially if it isn't in your personality to do this in the first place. I would have called myself an aggressive driver. By this, I don't mean rude, but I would not hesitate to pass someone going slower than myself or sliding into the red light lane with no one in front. When my brother-in-law was killed in a car accident in June, I had an epiphany. I realized how senseless an automobile death is, and worse, how I would feel if I was perhaps the cause of someone else's death. As I said earlier, there are always going to be rude drivers, but you can change the way you react to them. If you are like I was, you can also change the way you drive. Here are some tips I've really paid attention to in the past months. They make my time on the roads less stressful and safer for me and other drivers. * Use signals. Especially if you are on a two-lane road and are turning left. It is also a good idea to use signals on the highway or interstate, even though my husband swears it is pointless. It is good manners to let someone know of your intentions. Once I was behind someone who had stopped in the middle of the road with no oncoming traffic and no turn signal. I stupidly tried to pass them, since I thought they were looking at something (this happens in rural Alabama!), and when they turned I almost hit them broadside. Now, obviously this would have been my fault, but a turn signal would have let me know what they were planning. * Slow drivers stay in the right lane. I have ridden with drivers who drive in the left lane as a matter of choice. This can infuriate people. My parents are guilty of staying in the left lane too long after passing someone. Once a car came out of his way, even though no one was in the right lane, to tailgate and flash his lights for them to move over. Maybe he thought it was a matter of principle, but it scared my parents. Realize that driving in the left lane may annoy other drivers and move to the right when you are safely past the car you are passing. * Do not tailgate or flash lights at slower drivers. It may get the job done, but it may also cause a wreck. It also may enrage someone. Be patient, Burger King is not going anywhere. * Stay calm. If you are a victim of the above action, move to the right as soon as it is safely possible. How many times have I thought, "well, this maniac needs to slow down anyway?" Ridiculous. Let the police slow him down, you just get out of his way. * Don't antagonize anyone. Have you ever heard that you shouldn't stare at a dog's eyes since he would feel this was a challenge and possibly bite you? Well, the same is true for people. If the above driver is passing you after flashing lights and tailgating, he will also probably be staring at you as he goes by. Don't be tempted to look at him, and certainly do not shoot him a rude gesture or "jaw" at him, as my husband calls it. You will immediately diffuse the situation if you keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes straight ahead. Remember your mom's advice? Ignore him! * Avoid eating or using cell phones while driving. It is hard to concentrate on the job at hand while doing either, so park to eat or talk. I had a friend (true story) take out the wall of a Payless Shoe store with his enormous truck because he was going after a French fry. Another no-no is reading the newspaper or a book. Instead, rent an audio book from the library. * Wear your seat belt. Who ever expects to make a drive through window at Payless shoes? Make putting on your seat belt a habit for everyone in the car, don't move an inch until everyone has it safely locked. That is your best protection against other drivers. * Make sure your vehicle is safe. How often do we check to see if our turn signals, head and tail lights work and that our tires have plenty of tread? Make a point to do this every week or so, just to be on the safe side. It won't take more than 10 seconds. * Obey all traffic laws. Sounds reasonable, right? On our vacation this year, we got stuck on a highway due to construction, and people were zooming past us on the shoulder trying to get ahead instead of waiting their turns, like the rest of us. I got tired of it and moved my vehicle into this lane just far enough so no one could pass me. I might also add that I had my 3 year old and another family with a 3 year old in the van with me. Can you say Stupid? By doing what I did, I was behaving just as reckless as the people I was trying to stop. Learn from my idiocy. * Be courteous. A lot of the "cutting off" would be avoided if someone would just be nice and let these drivers in! Besides, someone may actually do the same for you one day! I know all of these tips are just using good common sense, but for some reason, I run a little short of that during rush hour. I truly believe though, that good sense can save your life, so try your best to use it! "To the world, you may just be another somebody, but to somebody, you are the world." Be safe!  |
| Read all comments (3)|Write your own comment |
- Top 500