“Are you ready?” he inquires.
“Well, yes. I think so,” I respond nervously. I shift the car into drive and cautiously lift my foot off the brake.
“Give it some gas,” he instructs. I comply, and the car jolts forward like an eager child taking its first steps. I quickly slam the brakes, and we both lurch back in our seats as our seat belts tighten.
“Lesson number one,” my father states. “Always wear your seat belt. Alright, let’s try that again.”
Growing up in Springfield during the late ’80s meant I could obtain my driver’s license at 16. A few months before my birthday, my father and I began a series of weekend driving lessons, utilizing empty parking lots and quiet back roads. As an enthusiastic teenager, I believed a few short sessions would suffice for me to master driving. I soon realized there was much more to learn. Here’s what my father taught me about driving and life:
1. Position Your Hands Properly
When I started driving, my hands were all over the wheel, which drove my father crazy. He insisted that the safest and most stable grip was at 10 and 2, just like the hands on a clock. Over time, my grip has shifted; during long drives, I sometimes rest my hands at the bottom of the wheel or balance them on top while navigating traffic. Yet, I find comfort in returning to the classic 10 and 2 position when needed. While experimenting with new approaches can be exciting, it’s wise to revert to proven methods when the situation calls for it.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Mirrors
Utilizing the rear- and side-view mirrors took practice, but once I got the hang of it, my father warned me that they were insufficient for lane changes. I needed to look over my shoulder to ensure it was safe. This concept terrified me. How could I drive without keeping my eyes straight ahead? He encouraged me to trust my instincts, emphasizing that awareness of my surroundings included being conscious of what was behind me.
3. Steer Into the Skid
I learned to drive in the snowy Midwest, where icy conditions were common. When my father advised that the best response to skidding was to steer into the skid, I thought he was mistaken—until I experienced my first skid. Remembering his advice as I slid across the icy road, I turned into the skid and regained control. It can be counterintuitive to confront challenges directly, but facing adversity head-on often leads to resolution.
4. Always Come to a Complete Stop
In Springfield, four-way stops are prevalent, and various rules dictate who should proceed first. When I was the only vehicle at a stop, the temptation to roll through was strong, but this is never wise. Not only could another vehicle be approaching, leading to potential accidents, but it could also result in fines (which I’ve experienced). Taking a moment to stop completely allows for better situational awareness, and sometimes, it might even lead to a change in plans—like deciding to turn right instead of left.
5. If You Need Help, Reach Out
My parents were well aware of the dynamics at high school gatherings. Regardless of whether I was driving or a friend was, my father always insisted I keep quarters in my purse for emergency calls. I might have rolled my eyes, thinking I could handle everything independently. After finding myself stranded one night following a disastrous ride, I finally took him up on his offer. It’s a reminder that one doesn’t have to navigate challenges alone; support is available if you ask for it.
Reflecting on the lessons imparted by my father during those driving sessions, I realize they weren’t fully understood at the time. Now, as a parent spending countless hours in the car, I often hear his voice reminding me to maintain both hands on the wheel (even when my child is asking for a snack), come to a complete stop (even when rushing to school), and remember that the rearview mirror doesn’t always show the complete picture. Soon, my oldest will be of driving age, and I look forward to sharing these rules of the road, along with valuable life lessons. For more insights, consider checking out resources like this one on family-building options.
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In summary, the journey of learning to drive with my father was about more than just operating a vehicle; it provided profound lessons on safety, awareness, and the importance of seeking support. These teachings continue to resonate as I navigate both the road and life’s challenges.