New Driver – Please Be Kind - Goodbye-Girl Blog

Yesterday, as I was returning from an appointment, I noticed a sticker on the rear window of an SUV. It was round with a horizontal line splitting the circle. On the top, it read “New Driver.” And on the bottom half, it read, “Please be kind.” The message hit me hard. First, we shouldn’t have to ask for such a simple gesture when driving – be kind. Second, it shouldn’t matter if we are new to driving, in our middle years, or a senior carefully navigating the massive amount of traffic, signs, and lights.

When my daughters were learning to drive in Colorado, they also had to learn to drive in inclement weather such as snow and ice and drive in the mountains. Each vehicle climbs the mountain differently according to acceleration and engine size, making it essential not to tailgate. Colorado also has a law that states if you are driving slower than most traffic, you are to remain in the far-right lane so other vehicles can pass you safely. You also need to be aware of wildlife that can jump out in front of you.

One pet peeve of mine is being late for an appointment, so you feel you need to speed up, making it potentially dangerous for you, your passengers, and everyone around you. Unfortunately, I also encountered that type of driver yesterday. This guy was weaving in and out of traffic, going at least twenty miles per hour over the speed limit and causing fright in other drivers. I did not see him approach my vehicle, and when I looked in the rearview mirror, I caught a quick glimpse of his white car almost hitting me. It caused me to jump, and before I knew what was happening, he swerved to my right and was gone. I watched him do that same thing to a dozen other vehicles in front of me.

Back in the 1970s, when I was growing up, the schools provided driver’s education classes as part of the high school curriculum. As a sophomore living in Uvalde, Texas, I passed the class with flying colors due to my dad’s instruction for several years prior.

Below is some of his sound advice:

If you need to pull off the road and stop for some reason, make sure you do it uphill so that vehicles can see you when approaching. If you park downhill, cars can come over the hill too fast and hit you.
When driving on a two-lane street or highway, move closer to the outside line, closest to the shoulder. This will eliminate the possibility of being hit by someone coming from the opposite direction and veering over the center line.
If you are driving slower than most traffic and you see a long line developing behind you, pull over when it is safe and let the caravan pass.
Keep your tires in top-notch shape. No one wants to pull to the side of the road and change a tire. During all our moves, thousands of miles, we had one flat tire, and it was on his government truck.
If traveling a long way, always have your trip mapped out (that was before MapQuest, etc.) and carry a first aid kit, extra water, snacks, and blankets. Cell phones have contributed to safer travel and the ability to call for assistance.

To conclude my lesson (and ranting), please remember when you drive you are responsible for a heavy machine that can kill. Take precautions, leave early for appointments, and arrive safely. Be careful out there. I am thinking about you!

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