This post is in response to something that's been troubling me for some time now.._______
As someone who's been driving for almost 60 years, I like to think I know a thing or two about how to operate and maintain a motor vehicle; whether it's a sedan, a pick-up truck, standard transmission or an automatic. I've owned them all. I've even been the proud owner of six different motorcycles since my first solo ride on one when I was 21 years of age. My love affair with motorcycles dates back to when I was a pre-teen, and that's when I vowed I would own one someday.
What was most critical during my experiences with motorcycles, now that I'm a proud member of the 'Retired Bikers over 60 Club', was my commitment to safety. I understood that as a biker, I could be required to make several split-second decisions if I intended to 'arrive alive', rather than end up as road kill on some remote stretch of highway.
It took several years for me to feel comfortable riding in different types of weather and road conditions, as well as riding with a passenger on board. I was patient enough to learn how to navigate those things the more confident I became with my skill as a motorcyclist; which made it easier to transition to a bigger bike when the opportunity presented itself.
Thankfully, I survived the few close calls I had that could have jeopardized my safety, because of quick thinking. I chose instead to dismiss the desire to try and become a 'hot shot' for the sake of a thrill.
To be honest, my time as a biker made me more conscientious as a driver. In addition to respecting what I had learned as a teen from the 'Drivers Handbook', the practicality of those rules made room for a more nuanced approach to my own driving habits that made me feel even more secure behind the wheel.
Consequences of the 'No Rules' Rule
Since becoming a licensed driver almost 60 years ago, I always resisted needing to adapt the 'show boat' mentality to try and impress the girls, or friends I grew up with by pushing the envelope when it came to my safety. Turning a neighborhood street into a drag-strip, 'burning rubber', or doing 'figure-eights' in the middle of the road, to me, did less to impress but rather put more stress on the vehicle. Through the years I've seen my share of traffic mishaps, multiple car crashes, and motorcycle accidents to not throw caution to the wind when it came to my own conduct behind the wheel. Watching someone flirt with death because of reckless behavior on the road has always been a 'head scratcher' for me, because it is a totally selfish approach to driving; as though there are no real consequences for other motorists, and feeling they should be given the right-of-way because of the glory hounds they show themselves to be. When someone close to you is killed, ends up near death, or suffers permanent disabilities from injuries as a result of making poor choices when they're behind the wheel, it really drives the point home that,
COMPREMISING SAFETY IS NOT AN OPTION!
It's unrealistic to think that Motor Vehicle Departments across the state, or country, have relaxed the requirements for obtaining a driver's license, and the consequence of poor driving habits becomes a real burden that impacts all drivers--which could entail loss of life, serious injuries, and ultimately higher insurance costs.
Over 30% of all auto accidents resulting in fatalities each year in the U.S. can be attributed to drivers who were impaired (DUI or DWI); while almost 10% of fatalities can be attributed to drivers who are simply distracted or inattentive. The common denominator for each of these statistics is that the average age for these drivers shows them to be less than 30 years old.
The problem becomes exacerbated by drivers who consciously choose to ignore the basic rules of the road, and decide to make it up as they go. Instances where a driver deliberately decides to run a stop sign at a busy intersection for example, or simply slowing down at a red light rather than coming to a full stop before making a right turn, or driving with speeds as much as 20 mph over the posted limit on residential streets. With the number of licensed drivers on our streets increasing every day, these types of drivers seem to be increasing proportionately as well.
When Common Sense becomes the best Defense
Having lived in Broward County Florida for 30 years, then moving to Palm Beach County where the communities in both are pretty densely populated, it was important for me to learn the lay of the land in terms of major roadways so that I might plan to utilize the best routes at a particular time of day. Not only was that useful, but the following 'common sense' unwritten rules of the road have become invaluable:
(a) Yielding is not a cost, but a courtesy to other drivers. Being courteous to a single motorist, who is attempting to merge into the through-lane when there is a line of cars behind you adds only a few moments to your arrival time and results in a grateful driver who would have benefited from your gesture. More importantly, it probably prevents a possible mishap when either driver in that scenario doesn't want to 'give an inch'..There's very little usefulness in needing to 'mark your territory' in cases like these when you may end up sustaining injuries to yourself, the other driver, as well as damage to your vehicle.
(b) Give them a 'Wide Birth' when someone is following too closely. If you feel the distance between you and the driver behind you is too close for comfort, then change lanes if it's convenient to give them the space they feel they need. It doesn't help to get into a game of 'chicken' with this type of driver. By doing so, you would have removed yourself from a potential accident, where you may have needed to make a sudden stop, and then getting hit in the rear; or worse, having to suffer through a case of road-rage where you could become injured or even lose your life.
Since you can't always count on the other driver to do the safe or sensible thing, the little time that you would have lost from having made a more thoughtful decision that prevents a potential disaster is well worth the price.
(c) Blind Spots are Not Exempt from scrutiny when you need to know the proximity of other vehicles on your right or left. Trusting your mirrors is good, to a fault. For that point of reflection that your side view or rear view mirrors won't allow you to see, it's helpful to turn your head back slightly and rely on your peripheral vision to get a better vantage point just before attempting a lane change. I've found it helpful to create some distance first, then throwing my signal and waiting a few moments. It reduces the risk of a mishap by letting drivers behind me clearly see that I'm getting ready to change lanes. I'm sure most drivers already do this, but it's really for those who are inclined to believe that driving defensively has no impact on them remaining accident prone.
(d) Avoid Clogged Arteries when planning a trip, or just running an errand. Knowing the busiest roadways during peak commuting hours gives you the opportunity to plan on alternate routes to avoid long delays, often caused by lane closures due to fender benders, as well as on-looker delays that accompany them. For those of us who may not be equipped with GPS, the busiest roads may be a more direct route to your destination, but choosing an alternate route that's less congested but maybe a little farther will often get you there quicker. I've found it helpful to give myself a little more time in case I have to make any unexpected detours.
(e) Keep Your Eyes in Front of you when you're behind the wheel. The most momentary distraction that takes your eyes off the road is enough to cause an accident; even if it only involves your vehicle. Having to make a sudden correction involving erratic steering could cause you to lose control to the extent of up-ending your automobile. I actually witnessed an incident like this some years ago on the interstate where the driver must have been distracted, began to swerve violently, resulting in the vehicle flipping several times before coming to rest in the median.
A toddler who was on board was thrown from the vehicle and survived, but the other passengers, all adults, did not. The phrase, 'Arrive Alive' is not just a catchy slogan, but should be the most important incentive for
anyone who intends to get behind the wheel of an automobile. It's also best to keep your phone chatter as 'hands free' as possible by using Bluetooth for extended cell phone use.
(f) Stalling Is Not an Option if you conduct periodic maintenance and systems checks on your vehicle, besides scheduled maintenance by the dealer. A cursory inspection of safety features (lights, horn, seat belts, wipers, brakes, etc.), as well as tire pressure and their wear patterns are advisable before embarking on longer trips away from home. If any of these items require attention, they should be addressed before hitting the road. Not only could they endanger your life while in traffic if not resolved, but you might also receive a citation if stopped by an officer if some of them are found to be in disrepair. Also, keep enough fuel in the tank (a quarter tank or more) at all times to avoid running on fumes before needing to refuel again.
Investing in a AAA account for emergency road service is not a bad idea, especially for older vehicles if your insurance doesn't include a towing allowance. Also, make sure you have a cell phone with sufficient battery power in case you need to make that call if you're stranded in 'no man's land.
(g) Residential Streets are not Freeways, so resist the urge to drive at excessive speeds on them to try and beat the clock. The lower speed limits in these areas are there for the safety of residents, as well as drivers. Families with young kids who may possibly run into the street unexpectedly during play, or wayward pets who may be crossing the street, are at risk of being struck if not noticed in time. Bicyclists, joggers, as well as vehicles moving onto the street from driveways are also at risk. The lower speed limit actually gives drivers time to brake safely if needed to avert a disaster. Noticing a pedestrian at the last minute if you're speeding could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, costing you property damage, damage to your vehicle, the life of that pedestrian, or your own life. This is from Driving-101, so if it's freeway speeds that you must have, then the freeway is where your automobile belongs.
Conclusion
Most of us can appreciate the idea of longevity, and the benefits that come with it. A long life, especially one that is prosperous and fulfilling is a formula we all at least have fantasized about, if not already living the dream. The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and beyond should be important enough that we will make a conscious effort to preserve and protect it as long as possible. So, we should avoid being found guilty of 'behavior unbecoming' at all cost; like adapting poor driving habits which is an invitation to flirt with death, but at the very least poses a clear and present danger that only threatens to abbreviate that longevity. PEACE..
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