Some driving lessons go beyond basic skills—and turn into unforgettable real-life experiences. One early morning in Toronto, a seemingly minor moment of distraction turned into a reminder that even the smallest lapse in focus can cause a crash.
The Incident: What Happened?
It was around 9:00 AM. Many drivers at that hour are either rushing to work or still mentally waking up. I was with my student, waiting at a side road to merge into a main road. There was a yield sign, and we were stationary, carefully watching for a safe gap in traffic.
Suddenly, a car came from behind us. The driver was clearly focused only on the left—watching oncoming traffic—but completely ignored what was directly in front of them: our vehicle.
In a split second, they lost control and crashed into our rear bumper. They didn’t check what was in front—they were too distracted scanning for a gap to merge.
The Lesson Behind the Crash
This situation, although minor in damage, revealed a very common driving mistake:
🚫 Focusing only on other drivers, not your own surroundings.
🚫 Failing to check directly ahead before moving forward.
It also showed how early morning drowsiness can seriously impact reaction time, judgment, and awareness.
What This Experience Teaches Us
1. Be Mentally Awake Before You Drive
Driving while half-awake is dangerous. In fact, drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
✅ Avoid getting behind the wheel before you’re fully alert
✅ Don’t rely on coffee alone—be mentally prepared
2. Always Watch What’s in Front of You
Even while scanning for other vehicles (left or right), don’t forget to check what’s right in front of your own car.
Many rear-end collisions happen because drivers assume the road ahead is clear.
3. Eliminate Distractions—Especially in the Morning
Early mornings come with stress, rush, and low focus.
✅ Stay calm
✅ Avoid using your phone
✅ Don’t drive while distracted by your schedule, thoughts, or fatigue
No Video—But a Stronger Message
This crash wasn’t captured on camera, but its lesson is crystal clear:
“One second of mental distraction can turn into a crash you’ll never forget.”
As a driving instructor, I always tell my students—real-life experiences are the best teachers. You don’t always need a video to understand the importance of awareness, focus, and mental readiness behind the wheel.
Barış Hoca
Licensed Driving Instructor – Toronto
📞 +1 (647) 896-2555
🌐 www.kanadaehliyet.ca
