Driving…when life gets in the way
We’re often taught responsibilities while growing up. We even teach our kids responsibilities so they can build those life skills as they reach adulthood. But for some reason responsibilities seem to change when people get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Why is that? Is life just too busy that although we’re driving, we feel we need to move the responsibility of driving down the list? It doesn’t have to be that way and it shouldn’t.
Sometimes we need reminders of our driving responsibilities, so this is a good time for that. We have the responsibility to ensure we get to our destination safely. We have the responsibility to ensure any passenger we have will also arrive safely. We also have the responsibility to act with a clear mind so other road users can arrive at their destinations and that our actions do not interfere with their intentions.
So just how do we go about changing our mindset of being just someone behind the wheel to being a respectful, responsible driver? Focus. It’s the focus we all need to have for the driving task. Many people, probably too many, have thoughts about all their daily activities including home life, work life and social life that they begin to lose the focus of their driving life. Considering you can’t really do anything about your work life, home life or social life while driving, doesn’t it make more sense to focus on the driving environment? You’ll be able to operate your vehicle smoothly and safely while maintaining your responsibilities as a driver. So, let’s get started.
Prior to heading out in the vehicle, think about the route you’re taking. Yes, it may be the same route you take every day, but traffic changes constantly so having your mind on the driving environment is so important. Make the plan for when you’re going to deal with the everyday responsibilities of work life, home life and social life. Having a direct plan of when to deal with those other responsibilities means you’re free to focus on your responsibilities as a driver before and while you’re driving.
Once your workday is completed, decide which home or personal issues you need to focus on once you get home. Make any calls you need to prior to heading home so your focus is on driving and not on home. Since our social activities can dictate our thoughts while driving, remove those thoughts with the help of either turning your phone to silent or turning it off while you’re driving. The simple distraction of hearing a sound come from your phone can remove the thoughts and responsibilities of driving and change your intended responsibilities to social life.
Additional suggestions to help you keep your focus on your driving responsibilities would include reminding any passengers your job is driving and they must respect that. Clear the area in your vehicle so nothing from inside your vehicle can distract you and avoid eating while driving. If you’re hungry, stop and take a break and do it then. There’s only a driving and passing lane, not an eating lane. With commitment and time, you really can train your brain to focus on your driving responsibilities and leave all the other responsibilities alone. Trust me, it will be worth it.
**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as it discusses keeping your mind on the driving task.