What are your intentions?

At this blog address, you will read articles about driving, driving habits, driving tips, car care, and related issues. But as with any decent speech, book, sermon, or business, one must begin with their "intent." To that end I will post my intent for this blog.

It is my intent to write in such a way upon the aforementioned topics that each reader will be challenged to become a precision driver (the definition of which will follow shortly) so that they, and others on the road with them, will have a more pleasant and safe driving experience.

My stated intent now begs the question, "why would I want to read this blog?" I cannot answer for you, however, I can encourage you to consider NHTSA statistics of traffic related deaths in your region or state for reasonable incentive. In the state where I live and drive, we have had on average in the past 2 years at least 950+ traffic related deaths per year. Also, consider just how many people you know in your extended contacts and relationships who have had anything from a minor to a major accident while driving. The bottom line is this - there are few activities we participate in regularly that are more dangerous. It is my hope that my words will somehow inform and challenge each of you to improve, change, modify, and think through your driving habits.

So, the promised definition.

Likely you have heard or used one or more of the following adjectives to describe your driving "style": defensive, cautious, careful, alert, etc. Without getting bogged down in semantics, I want to offer to the reader a style and description of driving that is above all those others, resulting in safer roadways here in America, and beyond.

Precision. A word used to describe careful attention to detail, close tolerances, and decisive intent. So, what does it mean to be a "precision driver?" Here are some hints:

• When they are behind the wheel, a precision driver's first and last priority is driving.
• A precision driver recognizes every second behind the wheel that they are not the only person on the road.
• A precision driver has put conscious thought into every move they make while driving.
• A precision driver has established proven, intelligent habits for themselves that they adhere to regardless of situations or circumstances.
• A precision driver eschews frivolous activities such as talking on the cell phone, eating or drinking, or playing with the radio while driving.
• A precision driver could, at any given moment, give a very reasoned and rational answer to the following potential questions: "Why are you in this lane?" "Why are you traveling at this speed?" "What gear are you in, and why?" "Where is your next turn?" "What is your next move?" The questions could go on, but you get the point.
• A precision driver has clear intent when they are driving. They have reasonable and rational reasons for their habits that would stand up in any traffic court anywhere in this country.
• A precision driver knows their vehicle well, and keeps up with the required maintenance either themselves, or via a service provider. Keeping their vehicle in good working order is important to them.

Getting the point? Did you find identity and solace in that list, or did you find yourself scoffing at the audacity of it? Maybe your personal driving intentions and habits dictated your response.

In the following weeks and months, I will be addressing the various issues related to driving listed at the beginning of this article. Unlike in this posting, future articles will be laced with no small amount of sarcaism and humor. The former will hopefully offend the reader enough to think and challenge their views and intents. The latter will be used like sugar in cooking - to make the reader want more.

I hope you will visit this site often as I stive to offer something useful to you that may in some way contribute to you being a more safe and precise driver.

Lord knows you all need a huge dose of that!

Be Precise!