Driving into the Valley of Death?

I almost got killed today... yes, it's true... I am not exaggerating. Pure luck saved me today. I had just merged onto the freeway and was looking to change lanes. I did the usual, checked my mirrors, turned sideways to check my blind spot and started moving into the next lane. I had completed my move about 80% when a car from the next lane came onto the one I was merging in to, right NEXT to me. He obviously didn't bother to look right before changing lanes and I had to swerve to avoid him and make sure I didn't hit the car on the lane I had just left! Like I said, I survived by sheer luck today.

I go through this on a daily basis. I see drivers that don't follow the most basic rules on the road and see accidents waiting to happen. I try and avoid accidents as much as possible by being over cautious and being extra alert (if that's possible) the entire time I'm driving. But, I'll be honest, I am getting tired of it. I am exhausted by the time I get to my destination simply because driving here is the most stressful thing one can do! When I first moved to CA, everyone said that I would not want to travel more to get to work because the traffic is horrible. Not true - No one wants to drive long distances because the longer they are on the road, the greater their chances of ending up dead. No, it's not a joke. Just plain fact.

Defensive driving will get you to your destination 2 minutes slower, but it will get you there alive. Do you want to shave 5 minutes off your commute or quadruple the chances of dying in an accident? Do you want to leave those chances to others? Take more control - Here are some tips for defensive driving that you can slowly implement into your commute:

1. Check blind spots often: Planning to change lanes - the first thing you should be doing is checking your blind spot. It is called "blind spot" for a reason. You cannot see it just from your rear view mirror, no matter how much you lean forward and peer into your mirror. Many an accident has been avoided by checking the blind spot BEFORE one starts to change lanes (remember before, there is no point in checking after you start your lane change)

2. Don't talk on the phone while driving: This seems to be the most common reason for accidents - handsfree or not, don't use cell phones while driving. Either way, your mind is distracted to a certain extent and your concentration is not on the road. Especially if you are having emotional conversations while driving. Bad idea. What can be so important that it cannot wait 15 minutes? If you are indeed expecting an important call, plan around the call so you are not on the road while talking. Or, pull over to the nearest exit and take the call, if it's that important.

3. Don't text/read texts while driving: Common sense - how can your eyes focus on two places at once? They cannot. Hence, either text OR drive, don't do both.

4. Don't apply makeup while driving: What the heck? You would think this was a no-brainer, but apparently not! I cannot tell you how many times I have seen women applying mascara or lipstick while driving! As a woman, I cannot even begin to understand that! That's why they have parking lots, ladies!

5. Don't speed: Okay, sticking to the speed limit is something 99% of the population does not follow these days, but use your common sense. Speeding by 5 miles an hour and speeding by 20 miles an hour have completely different consequences. The impact of an accident at 75 mph is 4-5 times greater than if you were going at speed limit. Like I said, 2 minutes or your life?

6. Pay attention to the road: Watch carefully, anticipate merges and traffic jams. You will be able to respond much better if you are alert.

7. Don't give in to Road Rage: Just because someone else is being stupid and cares less about their life does not mean you have to give in and retaliate. Someone cut you off? Just call them an idiot and drive on. Someone give you the finger? Consider them juvenile and drive on. Retaliating to road rage often results in horrific incidents, including death. Think "is it worth it"?

8. Follow rules: Rules are formulated for a reason. Extensive research goes into the rules implemented by the government. Follow them and not only will you have a safe ride home, but also save your precious tax dollars from getting wasted on unnecessary accidents and cleanup.

Every time you get into your car, think about all the people you love and that love you. Is it worth putting them through the pain of an accident, the possibility of you losing an arm or a leg or worse, of your death? No? Then, drive defensively instead of aggressively. Also think about this: Will you be able to look at yourself in the mirror or live with the guilt of having killed a life or two? No? Then, drive defensively.

Remember, Defensive Driving is not cowardice. It's just being sensible.

Inspiration

I have been reading this blog recently and am inspired by the insight and values it offers - I thought I should share this with everyone. Along with this, I also came across a quote by the Dalai Lama which I thought was the essence of life -

"Everyday, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can."

Think positive and live cheerfully :)

A decade of experience....

It's official - I'm 30 years old! Although that used to freak me out at one point in time, these days, I tend to look at it as a good thing... 30 years of observing different people, their mannerisms, their culture, their ways of thinking and their emotions and reactions... Now, there's a wealth of knowledge! A travel buddy of mine recently said - "The first 3 decades are for you to practice sorting the good stuff from the bad". She is right, but you know... life is all about continuous learning and sorting... You are bound to make mistakes, even when you are 60, but it's the lessons learned that are important.

Here's to aging gracefully :)