23rd October 2009

Beside rather than behind the wheel

posted in education |

My friends will tell you that my own path to getting a driver’s licence was a little scary for all concerned. Still, that was years ago; we’ve changed generations. Tonight was MY first trip as a passenger with one of my children in control.

The whole thing happened almost by chance: there were videos to return, nobody else wanted to drive up to the store and he offered. I was in line (physically) with the door, so I was swept along in the wake.

There’s something refreshing about new drivers. They actually tend to do all those things the rest of the world only talk about when in front of the authorities. Adjust the mirrors. Check in all directions. Make sure the headlights are on (it was dark outside). Release the parking brake. Reverse, slowly, from the driveway into the street. Stop at corners (actually stop). Signal intentions to turn BEFORE turning. Yield to pedestrians.

So many things to do, when you’re new to the role. Let’s face it, most drivers really are terrible when it comes down to procedure, and it’s only by chance that more (of us) aren’t involved in terrible collisions every day.

There was one move that may be genetic. He looked down to see where his shift lever was set (on an automatic transmission, no less). I’m still apt to be teased for my opening hours behind the wheel, when each shift meant that the car was on automatic guidance. Thankfully, objects tend to continue in a straight line unless some rule or other from high school physics comes into play.

On the whole, our short journey was without mishap, and I will never again have my virgin moment as a parental passenger. Unless he takes up flying.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 21:14 and is filed under education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. | 288 words. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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