Have you ever heard anyone use the phrase “the art of…” and use it to bring something up that isn’t really an art of any kind? Well, that phrase is often used to emphasize the love someone has for something. Today, mine is driving.
I love driving. It relieves my stress and makes time go by faster. I mean, what’s not to like? Of course I’m kidding, and I completely understand the fears surrounded by driving. I am actually a survivor of my own driving fears. If you asked me on June 23, 2020, if I ever saw myself loving to drive, I would have said “Are you insane? No!”
Back in 2013, I was actually in a severe car crash due to a drunk driver. It was traumatizing, and I couldn’t even believe I was alive. The one thing that saved us is the car that was illegally parked on the side of the road (ironic, right?). If it wasn’t parked there, we would have gone straight down a steep lawn of someone’s home.
Not to be a total downer, but it is important that I mention that because it reflects how I was able to get over such a strong fear that I had. I was so scared of getting in the car with anyone or even getting on the bus for school. It took me months before I was able to semi-comfortably sit in the car and not have a panic attack. I was only 8.
The fear was never alleviated, but it was taken down a notch… until 2020 when I turned 16 and got my permit. I was so excited to start driving! I felt so grown up and I couldn’t wait to be taking myself places. But then it hit me… I would be DRIVING? I waited two weeks after getting my permit to even sit in the drivers seat. And the ONLY reason for that is because my mom said we were not going anywhere until I drove around the parking lot. Even from there, it took me about 30 minutes to budge; but I finally did it. I drove in circles around the parking lot. It was the most frightening yet enlightening experience.
When I got home, I talked to my grandmother about it and she told me one thing that always stuck with me: “You may be a good driver, but it is the people around you that you must watch out for.” That taught me that things happen, but I cannot let that stop me from driving because I know that I am careful.
From that day on, I actually loved to drive. At least in PA, you must have your permit for 6 months and accumulate 65 hours of driving total before you get your license. I had over 200 hours of driving and I passed on the first try. It was so relieving to let my past go and move on to such a big thing in my life.
In February, I got my first car. It reminded me of how grateful I was to be alive and that I got over my fear and now am taking the next big step in my life of owning my first car.
I love driving too. I miss my car now that I am up at college. Back in high school I was always the designated driver friend. Whenever we would go anywhere, I would always be driving. I have also found that driving helps me destress, I love to blast music on the highway.
I’m glad you got over your fear. Driving will always hold danger because you can’t control who is on the road, but I find it very freeing and independent.