We are creatures of habit. We have our routines and rituals, our patterns of behaviour, and in some regards, we tend to be very set in our ways. Now that school is back in session, we readily observe just how important “getting back into routine” is for families. Buying supplies, shopping for clothes, making lunches, getting kids out the door for the bus, checking student agenda books and asking “What did you learn today?” are all part of the back to school routine.
Sometimes it is hard for students to get back into the swing of things. Coming off summer holidays, they have been “out of routine” for a while. Going to bed earlier, getting up earlier and going from leisurely days of summer relaxation to the faster pace of homework and extracurricular activities can be a tough transition. Eventually though, the excitement of new classes and seeing friends aids learners in getting immersed into the culture of the new school year. Let’s face it — children are resilient. They are adaptable and not averse to change.
Adults are creatures of habit. Perhaps we can recall our childhood resiliency and remember that we used to be able to “go with the flow.” But now, when something new creeps up on us, we tend to drag our heels and wonder why things have to change. We question and challenge the application of rules. Some people do so because they feel the rules do not apply to them. These are usually people we encounter on the road.
Cellphone talking, coffee drinking, personal grooming, newspaper reading, texting, smoking, making a stirfry, etc., are all things that distract drivers. We have all witnessed these absent-minded creatures. Perhaps we have been one of them. It is hard to break established habits. Talking on a handheld cellphone while driving is perhaps going to be the toughest change for many. We can do it! Go to your local tech store and buy a Bluetooth if you are long in the tooth. It is an adjustment that could save a life.
There are numerous other distractions out there though besides handheld devices. Light pollution, sign pollution, road construction and contending with road conditions vie for our attention. What about our mindset? Stress, problems, daydreaming: these are always distractions for us to examine. The distracted driver legislation is only one step towards helping a greater distraction problem: our addiction to social media and technology.
Rush lyricist and drummer Neil Peart reminds us that “no changes are permanent — but change is.” We are forever going to see ebb and flow in social norms and, by being adaptable and open to change, like our children, we can better appreciate that these changes to our driving routine are truly for the best. Our roads will be safer. So, when riding out the day’s events in your car, don’t touch that dial! Just sing along with Jim Morrison and “keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.”
I wonder though, how long it will be before we have distracted walker, distracted jogger, distracted cyclist, distracted being at a meeting legislation? After all, we are creatures of habit.
Tim Cusack is often distracted when using his new 3 wood.
