The Day My Confidence Skidded Away!

My Driving Nightmare! 

Dear Adventurers,

Driving has always been one of my strong suits. My family often jokes that I’m their personal chauffeur, and I take pride in my driving skills. I'm always confident on the road, whether I’m navigating busy city streets or cruising down the highway in the speed lane. But sometimes, life has a way of humbling us when we least expect it.

Back in 2014, I bought my very first car, a Perodua Myvi. It was a moment of excitement, marking a significant milestone in my life. My confidence behind the wheel was at an all-time high. I was always focused, keeping an eye on my surroundings, checking my mirrors, and staying in control. But one fateful day, everything changed in a split second.💥

As usual, I was driving on the highway, maintaining my speed and vigilance. Unexpectedly, my car began to skid, and smoke started billowing out. 😨😨Despite panic set in, I was able to stay focused. I turned on the hazard lights and pulled the handbrake, desperately trying to stop the car. It felt like an eternity before the car finally came to a halt. 

Terrified, I tried to open the car door, but it was stiff. I grabbed my phone and managed to get out, shaking with fear. To my horror, I saw that the entire tire and bearing on the driver's side had come off. My car had been skidding on its body. All I could recall back was a bus attempting to overtake another vehicle ahead of me, and in my effort to avoid it, my tire had gotten caught. When I pulled the car to the left, everything happened in a split second. The right side of my car was badly damaged, with a long scratch from front to back.😕

Onlookers said it was a miracle that the car didn’t flip over or spin out of control. Thank God nothing happened to me—I was all fine. Tow trucks arrived quickly, and my car was taken to the nearest police station. My brother and parents came to my aid, finding me shivering in shock. Despite my assurances, everyone assumed I had been speeding. But in reality, I wasn’t.

This accident instilled a deep-seated fear in me. Since then, whenever I’m near big trucks or buses, or when overtaking them, I get an overwhelming sense of dread. A few years later, this fear started to fade away. Even now, I remain extra cautious on the road, always aware of the unpredictability of driving.

"Experience is the teacher of all things." – Julius Caesar

This experience taught me that no matter how confident we are, accidents can happen to anyone at any time. It's crucial to stay vigilant and not let overconfidence cloud our judgment. Always be prepared for the unexpected and keep safety as your top priority.

To those who are confident drivers, remember: confidence is a great asset, but it should be balanced with caution. Stay focused, be aware of your surroundings, and never underestimate the road. Life has a way of reminding us of our vulnerabilities, often when we least expect it.

Reflecting on that harrowing day, I am grateful to be safe and more mindful on the road. My car spent almost two months in the workshop, and though it was a tough experience, it reinforced the importance of cautious driving.

Stay safe and drive smart! 🚗

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With care and caution, 
Suzan