I have always loved to take car trips. This started when I was young, since my father would take the family along with him when he traveled across the tri-state area on business. Fast-forward to my early marriage years, when I took to the road with my husband to tour the Norfolk Naval Yard. It was fascinating, and as a Vietnam Vet, my husband is always interested in going on military-related tours.
After Norfolk, we traveled to the Carolinas to visit family; then on our return trip home, we spent the July 4th weekend in Washington DC, which was such a memorable experience.
Now, in retirement, just being in the car is really a treat for me; something I rarely did while I was working, as I spent most of my time commuting via the railroad. I now have the opportunity to travel at my leisure, and I can explore the beautiful parks and locations all over Long Island, as well as in the continental U. S.
I realized that it was over 3 years since my husband and I had taken a Defensive Driving Course; and, the benefits you get upon completion certainly exceed the insurance reduction that is received. While the course can be taken online, I opted for in-person sponsored by my local library. It was 2 evenings, for 3 hours each. And, I know that the 6 hours I spent in the course will enable me to keep others and myself on the road safely.
Sometimes when we do the same things over and over, we can become stale. The Defensive Driving Course really put into focus just how many people and vehicles we share the road with, from pedestrians in crosswalks, to construction workers on the side of the highway, to school buses with children getting on and off from school, and now in the summer, from camp. And, the course really illustrates the importance of being patient, aware, and not driving while under the influence.
The course gave me the knowledge and focus to be a driver, in retirement, who is on top of the safety rules of the road. I hope to see you in my travels!
(Thank you to “Bob the Skater” for Pixabay for the photo.)