I am a pretty good driver ... I think ...

When driving in city traffic, I remember to use my directional lights, I check out the blind spots in the rearview mirrors before I change lanes, and I  stay with the flow of traffic. You readers are probably like me. You are extra tuned when driving in similar conditions.

Yes. I certainly can do it when I have to. I even become comfortable driving in the city if I know where I am going.

So, I don’t understand. Why do I now attack the curb when I make a right hand turn? I have destroyed two tires in the past 6 months. 

Perhaps it’s inattentive driving, this habit of turning too soon to the right. Daydreaming? Surely not. However, I don’t pull stunts like that in the city.

The first time I did this little number, I was pulling out of the car wash. There were cars (sort of )in my way, but I know there had to be enough space for me to turn right, and leave the area. But no. I drove straight out of the wash, heading south, planning to then turn to the right. I didn’t see the curb that would separate the car wash property from the big hill just ahead. Really? I turned as I planned, and my tire hit that curb sideways with a thud. A BIG THUD. An attention getting THUD.

I got out and checked the left, front tire. Hmmm. It looked fine to me. Tires are strong. They are meant to take a little stress, aren’t they? I drove home, and by the time I parked in the driveway, the tire was going flat, fast.

“What happened,” asked Fred? 

“What,” I nonchalantly replied. I was definitely winging it.

“Did you run over something?” 

I confessed. Darn it all. I can’t lie. I can’t think fast enough, you see.

The car went to the car doctor and they found that the tire was torn, and it had to be replaced.

Then, a few months later, while turning the corner to the grocery store, I hit the curb again...but this time, it was my right front tire that took the insult. What? What is wrong with me.

Another new tire.

I think the car seat is too low for me. I can’t see over the hood. Yes, that’s it.

I drove to Denver a week after this last episode, and while there visiting my sister-in-law, I did the driving as we went about the city. I didn’t dare tell her about my curb-assaults. But, remember, I drive carefully and alertly in the city. Finally, she asked, “Why are you turning way out when you turn the corner?” Ooops, she noticed.

Honesty. I sheepishly replied, “When I turn right, the curb jumps out and hits me, so I am avoiding it entirely.”

“Well, I noticed how you turn way out into the lane, and then weave back.” 

I guess I was carrying it to the extreme.

We all experience nagging phobias at times. Do you agree?

Certainly, I am a better driver than I was when I was in my 20s. The back-up screen has helped greatly. In my earlier history, while backing out of our driveway, I ran over my kids’ bicycles, tricycles, toys, but never the kids. No, I haven’t run over a kid, ever. Thought you might need to know that. That back-up screen saves me all the time. And I admit it.

I hope the sheriff isn’t reading this. If he is, he’s going to be following me, I just know it. (next phobia)

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com or juditabler@awomansview.