Young Woman’s Driving Lessons Take Unexpected Turn in Dodge Polara

A young woman’s journey to independence took an unexpected turn during her driving lessons in a classic 1965 Dodge Polara. With the encouragement of her boyfriend, she faced her fears of driving, but their first outing ended dramatically when the car collided with a tree. This incident, which took place near Odessa in Southeastern Ontario, serves as a memorable chapter in her life and the couple’s story.

The woman, unfamiliar with cars and hesitant to embrace change, initially resisted her boyfriend’s insistence that she learn to drive. She grew up in a village where public transportation was sufficient, relying on a daily bus to Kingston and hitchhiking when necessary. Her boyfriend, who had learned to drive on the family farm, was determined to give her the freedom that came with being able to operate a vehicle.

On the first day of lessons, she was nervous yet excited. To see over the dashboard, she sat on a pillow, feeling both anxious and exhilarated. With the Dodge parked in a hay field, the couple began the lesson by navigating around hay bales and farm animals. As she gradually gained confidence, she moved the automatic shifter into drive and felt the car lurch forward.

“You can do this,” she told herself as she parked the vehicle, albeit with a minor bump. Her boyfriend then suggested they drive to Odessa, a suggestion that filled her with dread.

As they made their way along County Road 6, her confidence grew. They reached a busy intersection at the four corners in Odessa, where she hesitated, her foot trembling and hands sweating. After a long pause, she made the turn but soon found herself in a panic when she heard her boyfriend shouting instructions.

In a moment of shock, she lost control, and the Dodge collided with a maple tree outside the home of Old Mr. Clark. The impact drew a crowd, including her father and brothers, as her boyfriend hurried to check on Mr. Clark and assess the damage to both the tree and the car.

Fortunately, the tree survived, and Mr. Clark was surprisingly forgiving. The couple faced the reality of the car’s damaged front end, with terms like “radiator” and “bumper” being discussed amongst the onlookers. After a few weeks of repairs, the Dodge was restored to its former glory.

This experience became a turning point for the young woman. With her boyfriend’s support, she developed the confidence to not only drive cars but also operate tractors and backhoes. Their shared journey began that day, and they eventually married and purchased a farm together.

Reflecting on the incident, the young woman now laughs about the collision, viewing it as a significant moment that shaped her life. Her boyfriend instilled in her a belief that she could overcome her fears and embrace new challenges. She has since authored two books: UNBUTTONED: Our Farming Life in Southeastern Ontario and BUTTONS THOUGHTS: Farm, Family and Folks, sharing her experiences as an emerging artist and storyteller.

This tale of the 1965 Dodge Polara is more than just a driving lesson; it’s a story of growth, resilience, and the power of encouragement in the face of fear.