Shifting Gears and Traveling New Roads in My Life

In our bustling world, the steady hum of engines and ceaseless flow of traffic have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. For many, cars embody freedom, independence, and the joy of exploration. However, for individuals like myself, who harbor an unyielding fear of cars, sitting in the driver’s seat can be nothing short of a heart-pounding ordeal. Yet, despite this apprehension, I realize that being a safe and educated driver is imperative for my well-being and a path to conquer my fear and embrace the open road.

My aversion to cars was widespread, not solely limited to one part. Being on the road, riding a car, or anything dealing with cars scared me. I never enjoyed being in cars. My fear surfaced from a childhood experience. When I was eight years old, my sixteen-year-old babysitter was driving my brother and me home and hit a parked car. Since then, I have been petrified of being in cars, and everything that I had to deal with on the road was unpredictable, exacerbating my fears. In fact, I would do whatever it took to not be in a car, especially when it came to parking. All kinds of parking scared me; however, parallel parking scared me the most. I often asked myself, “Why do people always seem to hit each other when it comes to parking?” And once that question started, I would fall into a rabbit hole of questions. Such as: Why are there always accidents on the roads? Why can’t people just be safe drivers? Why do people put rushing ahead of their safety when it comes to driving? These questions increased my growing dislike for being in cars.

When I turned fifteen, I found myself facing the inevitable reality that I had to learn to drive independently. I do not live in a city with excellent public transportation. Because my parents are very busy, I knew that to function independently needed to go through driver’s ed and understand how the road worked. As I delved into the inner workings of engines, brakes, and transmissions, I found that knowledge, rather than amplifying my anxiety, empowered me with the tools to confront and alleviate my fear.

The metamorphosis from a fearful individual to a safe and educated driver instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of these qualities on the road. My fear, once a formidable foe, had now become a catalyst for growth and transformation. No longer was I beholden to my anxieties; I was in the driver’s seat of my own life. As I continue accumulating driving experiences, I noticed how being a safe and educated driver shields me from potential accidents and instills a sense of responsibility toward other road users. Being an educated driver has made me feel comfortable on the road because of my knowledge. It significantly diminishes my fear of cars, reaching a point where it no longer dominates my life. My fear isn’t completely eradicated; it has become a passenger while I strive to be a safe driver.

A safe drive means understanding the rules of the road, mastering the art of defensive driving, and appreciating the value of a responsible mindset behind the wheel. I realize now the significance of following speed limits, maintaining safe distances, and always staying alert. Knowledge of road signs and signals has given me a sense of control, transforming the intimidating highway into a navigable path. Besides making the road more manageable, becoming an educated driver has taught me that my actions affect not only me but other drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This is important to me because a year ago, my father, a cyclist, was hit by a motorist. The motorist was distracted. I learned firsthand that being a safe and educated driver means avoiding distractions, including putting away cell phones and empathizing with everyone sharing the road. Equipped with knowledge and adherence to road rules, a conscientious driver contributes to a safer and more harmonious driving environment, promoting well-being and preserving the lives of all who share the journey.

Now, as I sit in the driver’s seat, my hands steady, my heart at ease, I celebrate the triumph over fear and the fulfillment that comes from being a safe and educated driver. I am no longer confined by the phobia that once held me captive. Instead, I navigate the asphalt canvas with newfound confidence, cherishing the gift of mobility and the responsibility that accompanies it.

I can embrace education, use safe driving skills, and, most importantly, embrace my fears. Through this embrace, I have discovered the true joy of being a driver and triumphing over the shackles of fear, claiming the freedom of the open road, and being a safer driver for me and everyone I share the open road with.