“Are you ready?” he inquired.
“Uh, yeah. I think so,” I replied, nervously shifting the car into drive and cautiously lifting my foot from the brake.
“Give it a bit of gas,” he encouraged. I complied, and the car surged forward like a toddler with a newfound sense of adventure. I slammed on the brakes, and we both lurched back in our seats, the seat belts tightening around us.
“Lesson one,” my dad declared. “Always wear your seat belt. Now, let’s try that again.”
Growing up in Kansas City in the late ’80s, I was excited to get my full driver’s license at 16. A few months before my birthday, my dad and I began our weekend driving sessions on empty lots and quiet roads. As a keen teenager, I thought a few quick lessons would suffice to hit the streets. I soon discovered there was much more to learn. Here’s what my dad taught me about driving—and life:
1. Grip the Wheel at 10 and 2
When I first got behind the wheel, my hands flitted all over the steering wheel, driving Dad up the wall. He insisted that the best position for safety and control was at 10 and 2, like clock hands. Over time, I’ve let my hands wander, resting at the bottom of the wheel on long trips or hanging over the top while navigating traffic. Sometimes it’s just one hand on the wheel as I pass snacks to my three kids in the back seat. Still, I find comfort in returning to that 10 and 2 position when it matters. While exploring new methods can be exhilarating, sometimes it’s wise to revert to tried-and-true techniques.
2. Don’t Depend Solely on Your Mirrors
Learning to use my mirrors took practice. Once I got the hang of it, Dad emphasized that while mirrors are helpful for situational awareness, they weren’t sufficient for lane changes. I had to take a quick glance over my shoulder to ensure it was safe. This terrified me—how could I drive without looking ahead? But he encouraged me to trust myself; knowing what’s behind is just as crucial as seeing what’s ahead when making a move.
3. Steer into the Slide
Growing up in the snowy Midwest, I learned that when the car skids, the best response is to steer into the slide. When Dad first shared this wisdom, I thought he was nuts—until I faced my first skid. As I glided across our icy street in slow motion, I remembered his advice and turned into the skid, regaining control. Facing challenges head-on, though counterintuitive, often leads to overcoming them.
4. Come to a Complete Stop
Kansas City is filled with four-way stops, and confusion can arise about who goes first. When alone at a stop, it’s tempting to roll through. However, this is a risky move that could lead to an accident or a hefty ticket (trust me, I’ve been there). Taking a moment to stop fully allows you to assess the situation; sometimes, it might even lead you to choose a different path altogether.
5. If You Need a Lift, Just Call
My parents were savvy about the goings-on at high school parties. Whether I was driving or a friend was behind the wheel, Dad always made sure I had change in my purse for a payphone—just in case. I may have rolled my eyes, convinced I could handle everything on my own. But after a (drunk) friend stranded me at a diner one Saturday, I took Dad up on his offer. Remember, you don’t have to shoulder every burden alone; there are people ready to help.
While I didn’t fully appreciate the life lessons my dad imparted during those driving lessons, they resonate with me now as a parent. I often hear his voice reminding me to keep both hands on the wheel (even if a kid is asking for a snack), to come to a full stop (even when we’re running late), and that the rearview mirror doesn’t show the complete picture. My oldest will soon be of driving age, and it’ll be my turn to share these road rules—and life lessons—hoping they stick.
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this blog. And if you’re interested in learning about home insemination, visit this page. You can also explore pregnancy resources at this site.
In summary, driving lessons can teach valuable life skills that extend far beyond the road, shaping our approach to challenges and responsibilities.