Can someone explain why I keep getting into car accidents, or at the very least ‘near misses?’ I’ve only been driving for the last fifteen months yet it seems I keep having all these bingles. It confuses me as I’m someone who is so alert and great at hazard perception. I’ve sat in cars with many friends of mine and I’ve definitely felt unsafe with their driving. It’s concerning when you’re having to point out hazards to your friends, but you’re having more accidents than them.
Accident number one happened one day when I was driving while unwell. I had been unwell for a few days but needed to get some shopping done. This was the first day I felt well enough to drive. I still remember the jolt upon impact so distinctly. Basically, I was stuck at a tricky intersection with many parked cars obstructing my view. I needed to turn right but was so concentrated on this car across from me, I didn’t notice the car coming from the right. This was my first accident. Luckily I found a place that promised fast car repairs. Glen Iris was where the workshop was located. It was a bit of a trek for me so my dad came with me to get the car sorted.
My second accident happened when I was meeting a friend for a burger. Unfortunately, her street is so extremely narrow that I ended up reversing straight into a pole.
Then there’s the most recent near miss. That happened today. A car pulled in front of me and braked suddenly. I hit my brakes so hard but the road was wet, I missed the car by centimetres. I need to make sure I get my brakes checked at my next car service. South Yarra roads can get super slippery when it rains and backed up with cars during peak hour. I’m worried that my sudden braking from today might have damaged my brakes. I’d hate for my brakes to suddenly fail on a wet day in South Yarra. Fingers crossed no expensive damage has been done.