Freeways are Scary

Don't think so? Well then you must have been driving a long time. Today I took a turn on the freeway for the first time ever.

I drove Dad around for a while and we went through CSULA and thought about getting on, but then I decided not just yet, so we drove up to South Pasadena area then on Huntington Drive down to Rosemead and into San Gabriel, past the mission and then we went back through CSULA campus and this time I got on the 710 freeway at Valley. No one was on that freeway. It was empty other than the truck that got on before me and the one car that passed me on the ramp for the 10 freeway.

The 10 freeway, however, was not empty. Oh no. There were plenty of cars and trucks. Of course ahead of me I see a stalled truck pulled over. I thought they were going to stay pulled over, but instead pulled back out in front of me to drive on their blown tire. I couldn't get around them because there were too many other cars on my left and Dad didn't think I could cut in, speed up and cut back over fast enough as I was in the lane I needed to get off the freeway. It was not particularly pleasant. I just need more practice I guess. Changing lanes isn't something I'm good at because I feel like I should slow down to do it and Mom and Dad are both like "YOU CAN'T SLOW DOWN. MUST KEEP GOING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC." It was weird going so fast. The highest I'd gone until today was 45 mph as I have only driven surface streets. But today on the freeway it was 65, which was feeling fast and for freeway that's probably kind of slow. Oh well. Anyone know a good time when there aren't many people on the freeway? At least you don't need freeway for the test anymore.

Another thing I learned today is that I can put Mom's seat up higher. That will be nice. I mean I can see over the dashboard and hood, but Dad said I should move it higher so I can see the end of the car. But the question is, will this help me tell if I am straight when backing out and pulling in the driveway? Because I honestly can't tell. I feel like I'm straight but everyone is like "No no. You have to turn your wheel this way. Okay now straighten out." How should I know, I felt like it was straight before and now it's not. Because of this, I have issues pulling out of the driveway.

Sigh. Anyone else want to help me out and see if they can get it so it makes sense to me or attempt to get me to not panic on the freeway? Be my guest.