Monday, September 8, 2008

Weekend Assignmet #232: How's My Driving?

Before I get started on this week's assignment I want to say that what I write here is solely what I believe about my own driving. Of course, what I believe is, indeed, the truth. So, family members, let's watch what you say. I don't want to delete any comments that are lies and mis-truths. With that said; on to Karen's Weekend Assignment.

Weekend Assignment #232: It's been said that as many as 80% of people who drive consider themselves to be "above average" drivers. Since this is statistically impossible, some of us are clearly overestimating ourselves. Be honest: how are your driving skills? If you drive, what are your strengths and weaknesses? If you don't drive, what drives your decision not to do it?

I think my driving skills are just fine. I have only had one ticket in my driving career, so that has to mean something. That was a bogus ticket, too. I was driving to school, I was late, I wasn't going that fast and I was in the middle of nowhere. It was truly a case of the police officer having nothing else to do, and knowing that I wouldn't come to the little town to fight it. No, I'm not bitter at all.

I was in one pretty good accident. But it was totally the other person's fault. She pulled into the intersection without stopping and I plowed into her. I wasn't very happy since it was my first new car, and it was less than a year old. No, I don't think about that one anymore, either.

I was in one fender bender that was my fault. It was a rainy day, I was exhausted after a midnight shift and I got distracted. I will say that I did leave myself a big cushion between me and the car ahead, until one guy squeezed in and closed that up. He was the guy that I ended up hitting, of course.

So, as you can see. Nothing has ever been my fault. I'm a very good driver!

I cannot parallel park, though. Growing up in the suburbs I never had to do it. I try to avoid it at all costs when I go downtown. I don't care if I have to pay an outrageous amount at a parking garage, or valet; it is worth it.

Extra Credit: Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Actually, I did. There was one stop sign that everybody warned me about. It was right outside the testing facility and there were two in a row, with the second being somewhat hard to see. Most people that failed blew through that second stop sign. I probably would have, too.

So, how are your driving skills?

8 comments:

Tall Paul said...

Mike,

Great post. We have something in common. It's never my fault either! Just ask Florin... no wait, don't.

Florinda said...

Parallel parking sucks. I avoid it all costs.

You and my husband have something in common - it's never his fault either. Oh, wait, he already told you that. Believe what you want.

I'll be back to see what comments your relatives leave on this post - hopefully before you delete them :-).

Jenn said...

I don't have a problem with your driving skills . . .it's more your backseat driving "skills" that are the problem.

Mike said...

Tall Paul: I think it is a guy thing. It's always someone else's fault.

Florinda: Parallel parking should be eliminated. We need cars that can drive sideways so we can drive right into those spots.

Jenn: I'm a great backseat driver. What do you mean?! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm okay. But I do tend to usually go at least 5 miles over the speed limit. Not really fast enough to get a ticket but to get to my destination faster. I was rear ended by an old lady in a drive thru...yeah, a drive thru!

I always have to be watching out for everything and being careful of the road rage out here.

And parallel parking isn't so bad once you get the hang of it. :P

Mike said...

DC: Oh yeah, 5-10 miles over is usually required to keep pace with other traffic. Unless there is a state trooper Driving around the area.

I'm sure if I had to parallel park everyday I'd get the hang of it. It need to buy a smaller car first. :)

Karen Funk Blocher said...

Yes, I believe you. I do. Really!

Mike said...

Karen: Thanks for your support! :)