In my other blog, http://formenseyesonly.blogspot.com I wrote about being older and wiser. As drivers the opportunity to continue to learn our skills is unlimited. Every metre of road has something to teach us. Every roundabout is a lesson to learn. As an old person behind the wheel I would unhesitatingly say that the greatest lesson I have learnt over the years is to always be prepared through anticipation.
My latest lesson came at night as I approached a roundabout with a pedestrian crossing. From my left came two lanes of traffic, one line would turn off to my left, the other would continue on the roundabout. So, there I was, still moving as I approached the junction with my eyes left. I then looked straight ahead as I began to stop, but on my right there was a cluster of people who were watching me, waiting for me to see that they were waiting to cross in front of me.
What a shock! I should have been aware of them first and I should have stopped before I did. They were the last element I took note of, and considering it is not the custom of people in this country to wait to be given their rights, I am very fortunate I did not knock someone down due to my inattention.
So, driving is an on-going class in motion, and the occasional fine is an educational fee. The ground rules are to select the correct speed for the situation we are in, and to avoid any substances that will impair our concentration, and to focus that concentration on the road ahead.
I think I will welcome the day when all traffic is driven by computers, provided the software is of a sufficiently high calibre.
Copyright (c) 2016
Eugene Carmichael
