The last time I took a risk was when I woke up, got myself ready, and left for the day, driving on local streets, highways, and beltways to reach my destinations. Throughout my travels, I remain aware, alert, and intentional, paying close attention to everything on my path to ensure I return home safely.
Driving on local streets and highways is the most dangerous environment that I encounter. The driving habits of many motorists are alarming, and I don’t say that lightly. I often witness things on the roads that make me do a double-take in disbelief. If I take my eyes off the road or the people around me for even a second, it could be my last moment on this planet.
Motorist behavior on the road is a concerning reality. My anxiety grows every time I encounter drivers who seem to have no regard for safety, as their driving habits clearly indicate. Unfortunately, the situation doesn’t seem to be improving—if anything, it appears to be getting worse. I notice this decline every time I go out.
Arriving home safely is my top priority. I am truly grateful for my life and for being able to return home without incident.
Before I head out, I take a moment to pray and have faith in those prayers. However, I also recognize the importance of being responsible while driving. This means I do not text or use my phone while on the road; that can wait until I am parked and at my destination. My life and the safety of returning to my family are far more important than responding to a text message.
I stay vigilant and pay attention to everything around me—both beside me and ahead of me. I ensure I survey my entire environment and adhere to speed limits.
I am thankful for my life and for arriving home safely!
freedup7 
Motorists today are absolutely frightening in terms of how they drive. My Dad used to say, “they think the view out of the windshield is just a television screen” or, “they’re in a hurry to go home and watch television.”
Yes, it’s pretty crazy out there.
Honestly, I haven’t driven in about a decade. My whole time in Turkiye and now in Kyiv, I walk or use public transport. The idea of driving when I am back in the US this summer for the first time since ’17 scares me a bit. They say driving is like riding a bicycle. Well, I haven’t done that in a long time either.
It’s different in every state in the US. Take West Virginia, for example. When I go there, people tend to drive at the speed limit, and the mentality is completely different from that in Maryland. The people are laid-back and have a slower pace of life. In Maryland, everything moves at a fast pace.
Kyiv appears to be a wonderful place to live. I would enjoy walking to all the places I need to go and using public transportation in a more civilized environment. Here, I would prefer walking before taking public transport.
Thanks for sharing!
Do you live in the high-risk area of Kyiv?
I am on the edge of the city. So I should be safer than some other areas. But there are nights where you can really hear it.
War stands as one of humanity’s greatest evils, a haunting reminder of our capacity for conflict and destruction. I hope and pray for better days!!
This is a truth post. I live in Las Vegas. Many drivers here are ridiculous. I say that with discretion because everyone is not completely awful. I do agree, though, that roads are getting worse. My pet peeve is those who take no consideration for driving under the influence of whatever. That includes alcohol, meds, drugs, etc. I worked for an organization that collaborated with the court system to penalize those who do such things. I would think that the loss of life would compel better driving behaviors. This is becoming even more of a sad and sobering reality.
“I would think that the loss of life would lead to improved driving behaviors.”
Perhaps it does for those responsible for the life lost, but we often don’t hear about it or see the changes that result. It’s unfortunate that a life must be lost for change to occur. In mosr cases, something happens in a person’s life that prompts awareness, consciousness, or a change of heart and mind.
Thank you for responding, SanVercell! I appreciate your input!
I agree that it’s unfortunate that loss of life has to happen to prompt awareness and change. We have to do better.