On the road again...

I was just about 10 years old the first time my dad put me behind the steering wheel of our Saab Turbo, in a huge empty parking lot somewhere in New York City. I know that may seem young, but it's always the right time to learn or teach if you ask me! There I was in the driver's seat, wide-eyed and elated at the prospect of negotiating the open road with so much power beneath my little feet and in my hands. My dad proceeded to explain what all the thing-a-mabobs and doo-hickies were and how to read my speedometer, tachometer and all the other gauges on the dash and I learned then and there what it meant to be called "lead-foot". :D

Today that's all I can remember about my first driving lesson, and needless to say I never actually drove anywhere in New York City nor did I acquire my license until I was 16 (and in Georgia), but I'm glad it wasn't anything like the first time I learned to ride a bicycle- when I crashed head-on with a concrete wall at the playground and went home sore and bruised! From fond memories of flawless begininings to my present-day not-so-spotless driving record. I've been driven across the country (twice), managed multiple marketing campaigns that required hauling of everything from thousands of books to sporting equipment to a full-on food truck and I have learned quite a lot about myself as a driver. I'm also horrified at the idea of my 18 year old brother driving in this or any other city when I observe terrible, irresponsible driving every day, but we all have to learn from our experiences and all I can do is say a little prayer before I get behind that wheel and always be ready for anything the open road may bring!

Now that I'm getting back into Real Estate here in Georgia I have to drive more than ever to meet new clients and preview properties. I learned the hard way- starting out- especially since this city is so FUN to drive in without that thing we enjoy up north called a GRID (notice my sarcasm?) that you don't NEED to get on I-20 to travel from East Atlanta to Little Five Points, and that sometimes NORTH really means WEST when you're on I-285, depending on where you started from... But unlike some folks who say "I always get lost, I hate driving" I knew I had to take a more assertive stance on the situation. I began using the internet and GPS to familiarize myself with where different areas were in relation to one another and the importance of knowing the difference between N, S, E and W at any given moment! I can now proudly say that I've learned to follow my instincts a lot more when I'm driving and have actually avoided a few hair situations thanks to it!
When it comes to navigating in Georgia I believe knowledge is power, experience the best teacher, but attentiveness and preparedness is power! I didn't know until last year that it was officially illegal to text and drive (since July 2010!) but of course, refrained from it as it's evident that any distractions while driving are BAD! So I just wanted to write this note as a follow-up to my update on Atlanta roadwork projects and traffic tips because I believe in putting positive, helpful energy out into the Universe, with a little humor and nostalgia injected of course ;)
I hope you are all driving safely out there and teaching good driving etiquette to the future drivers you know!

DRIVING TIPS
1. PUT YOUR PHONE/BLUETOOTH/CHATTINESS AWAY! It's a scientific fact that any distraction of one sense while driving can impair your ability to BE AWARE of impending danger or REACT to adverse driving conditions, drivers or even get to your destination accurately and efficiently. Even having a conversation or singing in the car while you're driving increases your risk of getting involved in an accident. Enjoy the quiet time (if you're alone) encourage a calm atmosphere (if you're not) and be considerate of other drivers (even if they aren't mindful of you!) A little care and attentiveness goes a long way. Just ask yourself; IS IT WORTH THE RISK?
2. Familarize yourself with "short-cuts" near the highways and main roads you travel on most frequently. While you're at home turn on your GPS or simply pull up GOOGLE MAPS on your computer, and input the locations of the places you most frequent. Zoom in and out to see what other roads lay parallel to the more populated roads you (and everyone else) currently travel on. Use the "avoid highways" or other alternate guidance features on your GPS system and experiment! You'd be surprised how taking one or more small DETOURS can make a dramatic impact on the time you spent stuck in traffic!
3. PARTY RESPONSIBLY: There are an increasing number of FREE designated driver services that can even get your car home safely if you've been out socializing and even if you think you'd pass a traffic stop after enjoying a drink or three... USE them, SHARE them and stay safe@
4. DRIVE DEFENSIVE not AGGRESSIVE: Yes we are probably ALL guilty of going 35 in a residential neighborhood, or 70 on an empty highway that's marked 55! But have you ever noticed in your HASTE to get from point A to point B, that little old grandma who passes you at a red light or in an adjacent lane? That's because 9 times outta 10 your whizzing and speeding around is really just an inefficient and unsafe way to drive. How bout LEAVE FIVE MINUTES EARLIER or just DRIVE THE LIMIT and keep your EYES on OTHER DRIVERS... You'll be surprised to see how much time you can save by doing the right thing and paying attention vs. speeding around like a nutcase or catching a case of road rage.
5. KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE: One of the most common maintenance problems that can lead to a crash is improper tire pressure. Uneven tire pressure, or pressure that is too high or low, can impact performance or lead to a blowout -- especially in high-performance cars or heavy vehicles like SUVs. You can buy a cheap pressure gauge at any auto parts store and check the pressure against the recommendation in your owner's manual. While you're at it, you might want to rotate your tires to promote even wear and consistent performance.
6. ALWAYS BUCKLE UP: Even the smallest of fender benders without a seat belt on can potentially become a major source of pain if you're involved in an accident. Like Nike says... just do it!
Be Safe on the streets folks :)
xoxo