Our new Vermont friends need to drive; it’s a given in this rural state with limited public transportation options. I thought it would be relatively easy to teach someone to be a safe driver because I consider myself a good driver. But teaching and supporting another person to drive is not obvious at all. I didn’t take into account that some of our new neighbors may have spent very little time in cars growing up. You cannot diminish the importance of observing and experiencing others driving safely. I didn’t take into account my own nervousness about having someone else in charge of my car. I didn’t take into account the language lapses where “pull over” has no meaning or “make sure to signal” wouldn’t register. Eventually, I realized that I’m not the right person to teach someone to drive. There are other things that I can contribute.
This post is written by Marti Anderson, September 2024
From Afar to Home: Vermont Journeys 