Hire A Driver Or Get A Rich Husband
I went to a school that accommodated short sighted and blind people. They always discouraged us from driving because of our eyesight limitations, I remember being told that I must hire a driver or get a rich husband. I am grateful that I am a courageous person. I went against the odds, got my drivers license and eventually bought my first car in April 2012 as a birthday gift to myself. Yes I had a lot of fear as I wondered if I would cope on the roads.
Believe That All is Possible
When I realized that I have managed well on the road and it was not scary at all, I started encouraging most of my friends with albinism (those with a qualifying driving eyesight) to take up the challenge and I am happy that most are driving today.
My Personal Challenges On The Road
- I experience a lot of eye fatigue as my eyes have to deeply concentrate. My eyes cannot multitask. This has led to me moving houses as I drove facing the sun on my trips to work. My eyes did not take it too well as it caused a lot of headaches.
- I struggle to blink sometimes because my eyes are dry.
- Driving in the direction facing the sun, this blinds me a lot even when I wear my polarized sunglasses..
- The sun reflecting on the tar road for a long period.
- Construction marks in black, yellow and red are confusing to my eyes and I have observed that construction works on the roads causes a lot of chaos.
- Constant brake lights especially if I there is a traffic congestion.
- Shades of grey on the road (darker to lighter) for example; concrete barriers/tar road and guard rails.
- Unknown destinations as my eyesight cannot see street names.
My Personal Safety Tips
- Because lanes disappear when it rains and it normally feels unsafe, I normally delay my trips, park on the side or do not travel at all.
- I drive during the day when I have full visibility of everything on the road.
- I normally keep my safe following distance in case I do not see the brake lights on time.
Gratitude Note
Thank you so much for taking your time to read. I cannot wait to share further exciting experiences with you. Please kindly share this post with as many people as you can as it will help me reach out to the world.
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Hello Thandi. Another great article, thank you for sharing. I am so glad you went ahead and got driver's license even though you were discouraged to do so.
ReplyDeleteI wish this article can reach as many people as possible because I believe your confidence and your approach to life is amazing and can benefit more people. You should consider mentoring young girls living with albinism.
Please check your hyperlinked post, it looks like you did not link to the right post. When I clicked on it, it did not take me to the "albinism eye" post.
Dearest Ntombi. Thank you for your valuable feedback. Yes will consider mentoring young girls as recommended.
DeleteThis is so informative, thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi there... Thank you for taking your time to read. I am grateful that you found the article informative.
DeleteConsider taking your articles to platforms like tik tok to reach a greater audience. Your articles are very informative 👍 👌
ReplyDeleteHello there...
DeleteThank you so much for reading... Will consider the recommendation...🙏🔥
Thank you for this valuable information Thandi. Continue to educate us because it is in knowing these facts that conscientise us to be better humans and show love and compassion to each other.
ReplyDeleteSis Charity ... Thank you so much for reading... I'm grateful that you find the blog informative...🙏🔥 Yes I am a firm believer of kindness and compassion ..🤗
DeleteHi baby Sis. Thank you for your courage. I knew about your eye sight, but thank you so much for explaining it into details. Much love and may God continue to give you courage. Love you lots.
ReplyDeleteHello sis...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support and assistance with raising awareness ❤️.. I appreciate you..
This article is exactly what I needed! Lord I've been discouraged obe too many tones from driving and honestly 6 months down the lune I was on the verge of taking the car back to the dealership. I'm grateful to have read this and have renewed strength
ReplyDeleteDear Tsatsi please be gentle on yourself, the more you do it, it gets comfortable. Hang in there 🤗
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