Driving: A Privilege, Never a Right

Driving: A Privilege, Never a Right

Where there is ignorance, mistakes are sure to be made. Being an educated driver allows you to understand the rules of the road and how to prevent accidents from happening, and what steps to take when an accident occurs. Learning about those rules makes you more aware and on the lookout for those mistakes made by others as well. If everyone were educated in drivers’ safety, there would be very few accidents if those who learn it apply it to their everyday driving.

The main distraction that causes the most accidents by far is texting while driving. Putting the phone down or on do not disturb while in route can save so many lives. Though we live in a day and age where we have become accustomed to technology and multitasking, that is something that just cannot be done while behind the wheel. Even a glimpse at a text or tweet can be detrimental to not just the driver or passengers but other drivers on the road and pedestrians.

Being aware of not just your driving but the driving of others can be beneficial to your safety as others may have reckless driving habits, and no matter how safe of a driver you are, they could cause harm. Staying clear of them and watching the road from all angles keeps you on your toes, so you are not surprised by anything coming. Drinking while driving is another leading cause of accidents. As the world evolves, technology is getting better and better; we have self-driving cars and a wide range of driving services available at your fingertips, so there is no need to drive while intoxicated. Uber and Lyft whenever you have a buzz because even if you think you can go while drunk, it is better to be safe than sorry and get a ride home instead. Even the safest drivers can still encounter things that could potentially cause an accident. We cannot control the weather; therefore, rain, sleet, and snow are hazards we must learn to drive through with driver’s education. Being cautious and giving yourself more than enough room between you and the car in front and keeping a slower speed could save your life as you are less likely to slide or skid or spin out on the road.

I was in a car accident last year though it was not severe; I was very shaken up about the whole situation as it was a hit and run, and I was bewildered as to what I should do next. Being in a car accident is scary for everyone involved and makes you fear driving again, but I went out and continued to drive though I was more aware of others driving just as much as my own so it would not happen again. The person who hit ran a red light as I turned left at a green light, causing him to dent my passenger door. Not to mention it was raining horribly, making the whole situation worse. I also have witnessed unsafe driving amongst my family members, such as running lights and speeding though I have not been in an accident with any of them, those are still unsafe practices that I try to avoid.

Becoming a safe driver means have knowledge of driver safety. Knowing and understanding how to apply the rules of the road into your driving will allow you to be a safer driver and be able to point out other’s dangerous driving habits. Being aware of the dangers, in contrast, makes it easier for you to stay out of the way and be safe. Eliminating distractions such as cell phone usage can also increase the safety of your driving. While behind the wheel, it is also essential to check your mental state. Do not drive when you are incredibly emotional to where even the slightest things can make you lose focus or bring you to a breaking point; this can be just as unsafe and a distraction as texting or having unnecessarily loud music while in the car. Allow space for others to switch between lanes and be ready for the unexpected. Driving is a privilege and not a right, and one must think of it that way. It is a big responsibility where we hold the lives of others in our hands. We must take the action of driving seriously and be sure to study and fully understand all that comes with ruling the road.