cross-posted from: https://reddthat.com/post/43565899
Context: I’m 19 and have had my driver’s license since last summer. I was never interested in driving, but my family pressured me into signing up for driving school (they said it’s a basic skill), so I did it and got my license - somehow - despite never feeling safe or in control behind the wheel during the learning process. I haven’t driven much since then, but on the few occasions I did, I still felt out of control. Two weeks ago, I had a pretty bad car accident due to failing to yield the right of way (I struggle with multitasking). I got hit by two cars. Thankfully, my boyfriend was with me. He’s a bit older and much more confident, extroverted, brave, and uninhibited - he managed to handle the situation with the other drivers and deal with all the protocols for me because I was completely overwhelmed and just crying. Thankfully, no one was hurt, so I only got my license suspended for 60 days, a fine, and I have to pay for the damages. My dad settled all of that already. Now I don’t want to ever drive again. But my dad says it’s fine and that every driver gets into an accident at some point.
Anyone in a big city should just change their lifestyle to go without a car, and use bicycles, public transit to get where they need for work and errands, and rent a car, van or truck when they need to go far or haul a big thing.
If you are learning to drive (perhaps it’s the only viable transport option in your town) The important thing is: don’t let other impatient drivers coax you into doing something dangerous.
Look wide and far, and drive with plenty of space in front of you. Fear and panic will only narrow your vision and make you blind to things. Practice will make you routinely go through the steps you need to do and what to look for, so you don’t have to worry you are forgetting a step or multitask. (E.g. changing lanes: Lane Check, Signal, Blind spot, lane check, turn)
If you have a 3 second buffer or more in front of you (time between the vehicle in front crosses a shadow, sign or line to where your hood does) then you will have enough time to react to 99.5% of potentially bad situations.