I just completed an online course to keep a speeding ticket from appearing on my driving record. The course does have its merits and I did learn a few things from it. They explain a lot of rules and go through the common mistakes that people make while driving, but I feel they missed out on something important, Self Analysis. After all, each person should know what kind of mistakes he or she usually makes. Recognizing the pattern and correcting it should be advised by the course. So, here is what I do wrong.
At times, the mind becomes too preoccupied with something that is not connected to driving. I tend to go into an autopilot mode in which I don't proactively look for signs and signals, but just follow the herd i.e. take cues from other cars. When there are no other cars to give cues or at times when they give wrong cues I tend to make mistakes.
E.g in a red signal stop, I was in the right most lane and there was a car in front of me. The driver in that car wanted to turn right when it was sage, but I had to go straight. When that car turned right, I thought it was time to move and drove into the middle of the road before realizing my mistake in alarm. At times, during the night, When there are no other cars stopped in a red signal, I have had difficulty realising that it was a red signal and I needed to stop. I have been inattentive while backing i.e reversing. This is again because, there was no one else doing the same.
The remedy is to never go on this autopilot mode. The conscious mind should always be actively thinking about driving safety. My mind shouldn't get carried away by the music, it shouldn't be worried about work, it shouldn't be trying to solve any problems. It should be present right there on the road, clear and calm. All perception, no thoughts.. Is this what they call "No Mind"?
E.g in a red signal stop, I was in the right most lane and there was a car in front of me. The driver in that car wanted to turn right when it was sage, but I had to go straight. When that car turned right, I thought it was time to move and drove into the middle of the road before realizing my mistake in alarm. At times, during the night, When there are no other cars stopped in a red signal, I have had difficulty realising that it was a red signal and I needed to stop. I have been inattentive while backing i.e reversing. This is again because, there was no one else doing the same.
The remedy is to never go on this autopilot mode. The conscious mind should always be actively thinking about driving safety. My mind shouldn't get carried away by the music, it shouldn't be worried about work, it shouldn't be trying to solve any problems. It should be present right there on the road, clear and calm. All perception, no thoughts.. Is this what they call "No Mind"?
