What attracts me to driverless cars is not having to actually drive--a fantasy I have maintained since my blithe university days taking the subway: that I could get on the train, sit down, and open a book that would slowly put me to sleep and have the luxury of someone else worrying about my next stop, in retrospect, was a dream.
Driving a car does not necessarily mean freedom--in fact there are serious restrictions imposed on drivers that are in place to truncate freedom, such as speed limits, highways that have very definitive directional limits, not to mention width limits, traffic lights, construction, and so on. What creates a problem is that the culturally induced myth about driving is that it is indeed something that enhances freedom; it is a symbol for open roads, clear skies, infinite possibilities. Some go so far as to say that driving represents democracy itself, and ought to be guarded as a basic human right. In this regard, and where my conference of freedom to the autonomy of a vehicle breaks down, is the concern I have that driverless cars will ultimately lead to a legislation against humans driving their vehicles. That said, the fantasy persists of being able to get into my car, put my feet up, open a book or video game or movie or knitting for that matter--for those Luddites out there--and let the car do all the maneuvering, detouring, stopping and going all the way to my destination.
Another down side to driving, apart from the illusion of freedom, is that it is no longer fun: the roads are either too congested, under construction, radar-trapped--or all three. Driving is too complex, risky, and the chances of collision all too high. More often than not, driving is a total drag. And it is because of this lack of fun that driving has become something else--highly stressful; indeed, one of the most stressful things one can do in a given day.
If you find yourself stressed out beyond comprehension, and yearning for a driverless car (which you'll alas have to wait another 3-5 years for), here are 6 tips that won't bring the fun back, but might help you deal with having a total freakout behind the wheel.
6 Tips for Keeping It Cool Behind the Wheel
1. Create a Relaxed Environment: Skip the rambunctious rush hour radio programs, and instead play calming music. Try things like massaging seat covers and essential oils. Rid yourself of distracting objects, such as cell-phones, reports, newspapers, or grooming products.
2. Start out Calm: Clear your mind of problems before starting your vehicle, so you can focus on the road and hazards ahead. Don’t drive if you’re sleepy or angry. Don’t dwell on negative thoughts.
3. Plan Your Route Beforehand and Leave Extra Time: Heading somewhere late can heat up the stress levels. Stay calm by allowing yourself extra time, and plan out your route beforehand if you’re, say, going somewhere to a meeting for the first time. If you’re running late, remind yourself that being late is not as bad as causing a potentially fatal accident.
4. Keep your Kids Entertained: Bored, noisy children can cause the blood pressure to rise. Quiet children make for a relaxing drive. Keep them occupied with audio books, video games, or other forms of entertainment.
5. Do a Routine Check-In with Yourself: “How am I feeling? What’s my posture? What thoughts are rolling around my mind?” Take a deep breath. Relax your hand on the steering wheel. Sit back in your seat. Roll your shoulders and head, wiggle your jaw around, and chill your body out.
6. Avoid Aggressive Drivers: If you encounter an aggressive driver, simply let them pass, or get out of their way. Don’t bother with them by making eye contact or honking your horn—this can cause road rage and even a collision.
One man, one mission, one ultimate weapon: Lamborghini Huracan
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