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BY RHODA GARZON-CAMPILLAN
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Defensive driving
I HAVE been driving for six years now. I can still remember the first time I took the wheel. The adrenaline rush was all over my body. The thought of being able to travel to different places using my car was like a happy pill for me.
I like the feeling of the wind blowing my face as the majestic scenery unfolds right in front of me. I love the feeling of being able to feel the speed of the car. It seems like I am flying.
I also understand that driving entails a great responsibility. Your life and the lives of your passengers are on your hands.
In my six years of driving, I have experienced only one accident. An old man unintentionally hit the right side of my car. I was relieved that the damage was not huge; only a few scratches.
The old man was polite and very apologetic. He gave me P2,000 for the damage. I thank him for being nice and responsible.
As I have said, accidents may happen whether you like it or not. Therefore, as a driver you must be defensive while on the road.
I came across an article on the internet regarding defensive driving. I find it very useful for neophyte drivers.
“Stay focused, keeping your hands on the wheel.” A defensive driver concentrates. He does nothing except looking straight. He does not text, tend a child, hold a dog, and other activities. This way, you can avoid accidents because you are focused and your eyes are on the road.
“Keep your eyes moving.” As a driver, do not forget to check your side mirrors and be alert for possible hazards on the road. There are times when a speeding car or motorcycle overtakes your car, hence, you must look at your side mirror first before going to the right or the left lane.
Another tip is, “Stay Alert.” I have heard a hundred of times that you must not drive if you are tired, sleepy or worse, drunk. If you interview drivers involved in accidents, majority of them would probably say they fell asleep while driving. This is deadly. If you feel sleepy, don’t dare to take on the wheel for your own protection and safety.
“Do not drink and drive” is another tip. If you have been to a party, do not dare to go home drunk. Chances are you will be dizzy and you just want to vomit. If you are drunk your vision will be blurry, hence, you will not be able to see approaching cars.
Drinking while diving is a perfect strategy to premature death, therefore, always be sane when you drive.
Another tip is, “Give respect to other drivers.” Do not cut abruptly. When turning right or left, do not forget to use your signal light to alert cars behind you.
In my friend’s car a sticker says, “None shall swerve.” Honestly, I usually get pissed off if other cars cut my car. I always ask why some drivers are so impatient. Why can’t they just follow the cue? It seems everyone wants to go to their destinations swiftly. If everyone has respect for their fellow drivers then the roads will be a happier place to be.
I wrote this piece because of the deadly vehicular accident last weekend which killed a 19-year-old girl instantly while the driver is still at the ICU. They are both young and they have dreams waiting to be achieved. However, because of this accident, their lives will never be the same again.
I can just imagine the sorrow of their respective families. At this time, the families and victims need our prayers badly so that they can overcome this challenge.
And so, every driver must always be defensive while on the road; follow traffic rules, observe speed limits and most of all, be courteous to other drivers.
Aside from being defensive, every driver must learn to pray to God for protection so that His angels will guide the passengers and drivers reach their destinations safely. It pays to drive safely all the time./PN
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