The Pink Muse: Things I Learned As A New Driver

The obligatory car selfie

When I was younger, I thought to myself that I will never be interested in cars. I always say to myself, "Cars are for boys, and makeup, clothes and other pretty things are for girls." When I studied in Manila, and realized the perils of commuting such as snatchers (my cellphone was snatched in along Taft), pollution (I have asthma triggered with cold virus, smoke, dust and other environmental irritants), and overall general exhaustion of the whole ordeal, I decided to buy myself a car. I didn't care what it was, as long as I had a car where at least I felt safe and comfortable from the hazards (and hassles) of public transportation. I am not saying that having a car is hassle and danger free. Nobody is completely free from all the possible dangers of going outside of our comfortable homes, what I'm trying to say is that having a car least minimizes the discomfort, at least for me. Aside from that, I basically spent most of my childhood commuting since my family doesn't own a car. So I thought to myself, if I will buy something worthwhile and will make our lives easier, let it be a car. By God's grace, I was able to find a perfect unit that is on automatic transmission, a mortgage I can live by, and a size that will allow my family to fit in comfortably. What a blessing! I really thank God.

Anyway, the story doesn't end there. With a newly purchased car comes a new and heavy responsibility. Here are the 5 things I learned as a new driver:

1. Always have presence of mind.

If you have any baggage, literally any type of baggage--may it be physical, socioemotional, mental--let go of it first--and then drive. Thinking too much about something else, or being preoccupied with other things is highly dangerous and even fatal while driving. Just thinking of a different topic can distract you with all the things you have to consider while driving. Yes, divided attention takes time to learn but as a new driver, I learned to silence my head and just concentrate on driving.

2. Strike a balance between aggressiveness and giving way

Too much aggressiveness on the road can cause accidents. Being too cool and confident imposes risks as you might get head to head (or, shall I say bumper to bumper) with those kaskaseros or ansty drivers out there. For those types you have to give way, but for some instances you have to assert yourself not for the sake of just wanting to, but because you don't want to be a pushover on the road.

3. Practice in this sequence: Linear driving, turns, reverses, maneuvers and parking

I highly recommend this sequence because I had an accident when I tried learning about maneuvers first. I accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the break and ruined my bumper before, all because I had to consider so many things and I wasn't able to practice much on the easier ones first. Take note that I only recommend, it is not necessary. I realized that I had to do it in this sequence to have avoided prior accidents.

4. Look at all the mirrors for your next decision

For all the close calls that I had such as bumping onto another car, accidentally bumping onto a pedestrian, it was because I wasn't looking at the mirrors that I have to look at. I learned that before making any decisions, one must learn the skill of looking at the necessary mirrors needed to move the car on where it's supposed to be.

5. Driving is a huge responsibility

Driving is not only a responsibility to yourself, but a responsibility to your passengers, loved ones, and also the people on the road. If you love the people you're with or with yourself, learn to drive safely. It may be hard at first, easy when you get better and fun when you think you're the best, but it's not fun anymore if someone gets harmed. The least you want to be is a reckless driver.

6. Pray to God before your trips

May it be a trip to the nearby grocery or an uphill 7-hour drive to Baguio, always pray for safety. I believe in a God that grants prayers and protection, and I do believe that He grants our desires that are in accordance to His will. It never hurts to ask for safety, and I always remember God's promise in Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

To all the new (and old) drivers, be safe and have fun driving! Don't forget to share this article to someone you know who is a new driver. :) If you want to know more about tips and tricks on how to drive as a pro, I recommend this book:

Professional Driving Techniques: The Essential Guide to Operating a Motor Vehicle with Confidence and Skill
The essential guide to operating a motor vehicle with confidence and skill. This book walks you step by step through the intricacies of the Driving System the Driver, the Vehicle and the Driving Environment.