Even though I have been driving for quite a few years, I still tend to get nervous when drivers recklessly swerve between lanes or drive at a high speed for no reason. But, what gets to me the most, are those impatient road users who will blast their horn at you 0,0001 seconds after the light turned green, acting as if they are the only ones allowed on the road.
I must admit, this was not such a big deal for me until my oldest daughter became a road user. While we were still teaching her all the basics, I started to take note of fellow road users, and came to the conclusion that we simply do not have any empathy and understanding for what these youngsters go through on the roads, and we also show no consideration or compassion for each other.
Not only do they now have to navigate this vehicle on their own, they have to remember all the traffic signs, rules and regulations, while also having to deal with all the other (mostly) impatient drivers around them. And, what makes this more difficult, is the fact that most of the seasoned drivers seem to have forgotten the traffic rules, forcing the new drivers to either conform to their ‘lawlessness’ or be scoffed at for sticking to their guns by obeying these laws.
For me, as a parent, it is just as terrifying, because I see a lot of terrible things in the line of work I am in. Every time we receive a report of an accident, my heart stops for a minute or two, my hands start to sweat and my brain just freezes, as I think, “Please don’t let it be my child”.
And, I believe that I am not the only parent who feels this way.
Maybe, if we all just remember that everyone had to start somewhere and that all of us used to be learners driver at some point, it will be a bit easier for our youngsters to adapt and be comfortable on the road.
Instead of blasting your horn at a traffic light or stop street, just wait a second or two longer. If you notice someone driving a bit slower, don’t drive close behind them, trying to force them to go faster or pressurise them into skipping a stop street or go through the intersection when the light is yellow. Show some compassion and consideration; we all share the road, and everyone has the same rights when it comes to using it.
Before you do something to endanger another on the road, keep in mind that it might be someone’s mother, father, son, daughter or grandchild. How would you have felt if it were your loved one?
As the holidays are fast approaching, let us stay safe on our roads and not become part of the statistics.
Until next week …
