Do you push the envelope?
Every now and then I get reminded of why we do certain things as drivers. I’m the type of person that usually does things because I believe in them. Are you like that as well? Once I know something works, I try to keep doing it. For example, I know that slippery roads can reduce my traction, so I drive according to the conditions by slowing down. I don’t need to keep pushing the envelope to see if I can drive faster when I know I will most likely lose control of my vehicle.
While I was driving along the freeway recently on a very windy day, a huge gust of wind came by and pushed my vehicle sideways in my lane. I was glad that I had two hands on the wheel as that allowed me to keep my vehicle under control in my lane. There are many drivers who still feel they can control their vehicle with just one hand on the wheel. What makes them feel they have control with just one hand, especially on a windy day?
As I continued to drive along, I noticed a few other vehicles drifting out of their lane. The wind was quite strong, so I’m sure that had something to do with it. But, how were they holding onto the steering wheel? If they had one hand on the steering wheel would that contribute to their vehicle drifting out of their lane? What else do you think they do that pushes the envelope?
It still amazes me that drivers will try to drive as fast as possible that may allow them to get a speeding ticket. It doesn’t really matter to these drivers what the posted speed is in that area. I’ve seen drivers do well over the posted 40 km/h speed in a school zone. I’ve seen drivers do roughly 65 km/h in a 50 km/h speed zone. The same can be said for the 80 km/h zone and 100 km/h zone. Why see if you can go faster than the posted speed limit, and is it just for the sake of doing it?
My dad always taught us that if you’re doing something, you must have a reason for it. I’ve remembered that all my life and use it with my kids. I also use it with drivers I’m training to drive at Young Drivers of Canada. The moment I see an ‘attitude’ of some degree, I ask them why they’re doing it. They often don’t have a reason, so I try to ‘sell’ them on a different way of doing it. I also try to bring light to the fact that it may cost them their license, money or perhaps even someone’s life.
The next time you’re doing something just for the sake of doing it, ask yourself why and be the bigger person. No need to push the envelope each time you drive.