Stuck At Reverse: The unforgettable driving trip

<div class="text-justify>

I still vividly remember the first time I got behind the steering wheel to learn how to drive. I was a bundle of nerves,anxious yet excited to take on this new challenge. My husband graciously took on the role of my driving instructor. In hindsight, I think it would have been better for me to take formal lessons from a driving school, as patient as he tried to be, having your spouse bark driving commands at you all day can be very upsetting trust me. But at the time, with a new baby at home and limited flexibility, it seemed like the best option. I just had my first child and hubby thought it would be a good idea for me to know how to drive, since he won't be available all the time to take us to our hospital visits and other commitments I engaged in, and he didn't want me hoping a motorcycle or public transport for the main time with our baby.

We started off slowly, practicing in a deserted football field in the early mornings when no one was around. I was tense and jerky with the pedals at first, but eventually got the hang of working the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes in sync. Once my husband felt I had mastered control of the vehicle, he had me practice on side streets before attempting main roads. He guided me through intersections and turns, helping me adjust to real-world driving. I began to gain confidence during those initial short trips.

However, he still didn't let me drive alone, insisting I needed more experience before he would feel comfortable with me behind the wheel solo. After weeks of supervised practice, I'll admit I found it a bit frustrating and limiting.One day, I needed to get some groceries, he wasn't around, and one thought came to me to go on an independent trip, after all, he wouldn't know, and even if he did, I would have been back successfully, proving to him that I was capable on my own and can handle the car, without thinking much, off I went . The drive to the store went smoothly and I felt tremendously proud of myself as I loaded the groceries.

But disaster struck on the return trip. I tried to make a difficult U-turn and ended up stuck in the middle of traffic, unable to move as angry drivers honked and shouted at me to get out of the way. In a panic, I tried desperately to maneuver out of the situation but only made it worse.I kept instructions from passerby telling me to "cut your hand" I made several attempt to reverse and find my way around without bashing anyone to no avail, droplets of sweats began to form on my face, some were like, "who give this woman car" Humiliated, I finally got out and asked a strangers to help guide me out. From that harrowing experience, I learned I still had a lot more to learn, I never attempted another solo drive again until I truly mastered busy roads and complex situations.

Would I want to experience that again?

Now many years and miles later, I am a competent and confident driver. But I still recall that disastrous grocery run that revealed I had overestimated my abilities at the time. I'm grateful for the lessons it taught me about patience and not rushing into new challenges before you are fully prepared. While I wouldn't want to relive that exact experience, it was certainly a memorable milestone in my driving education.I'm a better driver now, and don't think I would get stuck in such a way anymore, as for Lagos drivers,i'm use to them now, there is a common saying that if you can drive on Lagos road, you can drive anywhere in the world, I don't know how true this is, one thing is for sure, you got to have the guts to be a driver in Lagos.

_{Image 1 is edited using canva, Image 2 is mine.}

Posted Using InLeo Alpha