Isn’t she purdy?
Let me preface this post by saying that I am by no means an authority on driving or driving skills. I consider myself a good driver, a little bit of a lead foot, but I’m cautious and I pay attention. Unfortunately I do not live in a part of the country where public transportation benefits outweigh driving benefits, so I drive. And since I commute about 30 miles to school one way, I drive quite a bit.
I recently got a new car. Like, new new. I’m fortunate enough to have a wonderful boyfriend who was able to help me by leasing this car and helping me out while I’m still in school. He’s pretty much awesome. I respect my new car. I love my new car. So why do so many people drive like they don’t?
Let’s get another thing straight. Prior to this new car I was driving a piece of crap Dodge Neon. It was 10 years old and may not have looked it on the outside, but you could definitely tell by the garbage under the hood. Even in that car I wasn’t reckless. Even in that car I was cautious, slightly fast, and paid attention. What I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t matter what kind or how nice your car is, you’re not the only person on the road.
Maybe it’s my Catholic guilt, but I always wear a seatbelt and use my turn signals. Or maybe it’s because I want to live. I don’t understand why it’s so hard for people to use turn signals! They’re conveniently located! They let other drivers know your plans so that they don’t crash into you! They’re awesome! So why do 80% of the people on the road refuse to use them? Are they above the law? Do they have a death wish? Are they Amanda Bynes or Lindsay Lohan?
Think of all the expenses that go into driving: the car itself, car insurance, gas, tune ups, oil changes, the list goes on and on. So why do so many people drive like they’ve got money to blow? I went broke putting over two thousand dollars into my Neon before I decided enough was enough, and I probably should have stopped before that. So what’s the deal? Is everyone swimming in their Scrooge McDuck money vault just waiting to t-bone someone so they can use it?
So am I a weirdo because I use my turn signals? Fine. I’m cool with it. And just straight crazy because I look both ways before crossing intersections, and don’t pull out in front of people who are careening towards me? Yeah, sounds about right.
So what’s your take? Are you a crappy driver? Do you take public transportation? Or are you just as “crazy” as I am for attempting to follow the rules of the road?
xoxo
Kash of All Trades 