It's Not About Hearing: The Real Dangers on the Road

Can I be real for a second?

I'm SO tired of hearing, "How do Deaf people drive?"

Here is the truth:
Look at the roads. Every day I see driver hitting 70, 80, 90, even 100 in a 55 MPH zone. Others crawl at 40 in the left lane. I see reckless lane changes, drivers refusing others merge safely, and cars hogging the passing lane while others weave dangerously around them. People drive without headlights at night, in rain, or fog. Some never use their signals. I've seen people drive past cars that are clearly backing out or tailgate someone while yelling "GOOOOOOOO!" when there's literally a car in front of them. 

Parking lots? School zones? Chaos. People cutting lines, stopping wherever they feel like it, acting like rules don't exist. People running through stop signs or red lights? I see that too. Drivers ignoring basic rules put everyone at risk —  pedestrians, other cars, and themselves. 

I've been driving for 20 years. I've had my car totaled twice because another driver wasn't paying attention. And just recently, I was in a sideswiped in an accident because a driver refused to share the road safely.

Sometimes, I'm afraid to drive. It's not because I can't hear. It's not because I'm Deaf. It's because the way people drive. Especially after my sideswiped situation and witnessing close-call merging accident countless times. This happens daily, sometimes multiple times a day at the same spot. I've decided to avoid that Beltline entrance entirely. 

I don't speak for every Deaf driver. But as a Deaf driver myself, I drive strategically. I follow the rules. I make sure here's a gap in front of me, especially when I'm in the right lane with merging lane nearby. I only change lanes when it's safe. I drive with my headlights on when it's raining, foggy, or dark out. I wait for people to walk across the crosswalk entirely before proceeding. No, I'm not perfect. Sometimes I do make mistakes. 

A driver's license isn't something to take for granted. It's a proof that you've read and understood the rules. Basically, it's an agreement to be a responsible driver on the road.

I take driving seriously and I know many Deaf drivers do as well. We rely on visual alertness to stay safe on the road. And yes, we often spot flashing emergency lights before many hearing drivers even hear the sirens. Paying attention is how we navigate safely. 

You don't know who around you is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Hearing. You do know who is driving like an idiot. The problem isn't hearing. It's too many drivers thinking, "I need to be first." Being responsible driver means actually sharing the road with everybody. 

So next time, instead of asking, "How do Deaf people drive?" Ask yourself, How can we all drive better? Because it's not about who can hear. It's about who is paying attention to the road. 

With love, 
Sarah, 
Hands Full, Heart Full