Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer"I AM CELEBRATING my first driving anniversary!" Jacqueline Sterling exclaimed.
The women stopped eating, the once tranquil scene became one of anecdotal exchanges, punctuated with congratulatory messages.
The comradeship in the dinning room at the Chukles Resort Hotel in Negril was amazing and we now share that moment with you as the celebrant gave her story of fear and the eventual triumph. She is now a driver!
"I was dependent on the bus all my life but accepting the post of lecturer at the Mico College, I realised that I had to travel extensively. I lived in May Pen and worked in Kingston so it was very hectic and challenging to travel by public transportation.
"After completing my Masters Degree in the United States my aunt admonished me: 'You need to go home now, and get your PhD. in driving.'
"This was my motivation. Friends at work prodded me daily to learn to drive because of their confidence in me."
BAD PHOBIA
She revealed the main hindrance.
"I had a bad phobia I could not see myself driving on the road, because of all the terrible accidents I had seen. I told myself driving was certainly not for me. I finally decided, with the encouragement of friends, to sign up for lessons. I explained my fears to the instructor and asked him to be patient with me.
The first time I went on the road, I panicked and could not move the car, so I sat in it for the hour doing 'push and pull'. He encouraged me and gradually I overcame my fear.
"Reversing the car was a challenge though. And parking it was even more challenging. The entire learning process took me almost two years! When I went for my licence at the age of 39, I felt it was the greatest achievement in my life."
This was just part one of her victory, however. Little did she realise that mastering the techniques of driving on the road was yet another challenge in itself.
"I purchased a car and, on the day of receiving my licence, I drove it from the dealer in Kingston to May Pen. This was the first time I was alone in the car. I know that if I was to master driving, I would have to do this. During the first week, I asked my brother to accompany me. This he did for three days.
FEAR OF JUTC BUSES
"The first day I was on my own, a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus hit me badly, and sped off. I was devastated. I did not even know that I had rights. I was just grateful that I had not hit anyone.
My friends later explained to me that the damage on my car indicated that the driver was wrong but I had no licence number to pursue the matter.
Meanwhile friends at work encouraged me to face the road.
Within two months, another JUTC bus ran into the back of the car, this time, there was no running off. I got the necessary documentation.
My son's reaction was 'mommy everyone has accidents but you have them a little more than others.' I replied, I have done nothing wrong. These buses 'attacked' me.
"My only phobia now is JUTC buses. As soon as I see one near me, I freeze. Some of the drivers are intimidators, and are careless and disregard other users of the road.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY
"This month marks one year of driving, my anniversary. Thanks to my family and friends, I now believe nothing is impossible," said the confident driver.
Jacqueline, aware of the many challenges that cause especially women to fear the road, gives the following advice:
"Start learning early, go in stages, and try to overcome fear, be confident. Driving gives you power. Find a reputable driving school; ask to be recommended to a good instructor. If you are not comfortable with the instructor, request a change. Pace your lessons. Study the guide, it is a very good theoretical guide for the practice of driving. The art of driving involves a lot of practice. Experience teaches one to drive."
Like Jacqueline, you, too, can overcome and grasp your destiny with both hands.
