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.
Single smartest decision I’ve ever made was applying my hatred of rushing to my driving habits. I still mostly move with the flow of traffic, the faster lanes even, but when it comes to decisions, its a coin-toss between taking the absolute correct decision or hitting the brakes(brakes will suffice for 95% of decisions, and if not, you’re speeding or following to close). Once stopped at an intersection, there is no reason to proceed until you’re certain you should.