Monday Morning

Drivers
education programs are incredibly important when getting out on the
road. Some students have parents or family members who have allowed
them to drive around the parking lot or through the neighborhood, but
not everyone had this privilege. It is not safe to assume that every
child on the verge of getting their license has had experience behind
the wheel, so these classes may be some people’s first time. This
should not be taken lightly.

These
drivers ed programs can be the step to reduce the amount of
driving deaths. I think that requiring everyone to take these
classes, 18 or not, would help all drivers get the same base
knowledge about how to control a vehicle and the rules of the road. I
also think we should hold each other accountable. Talk about these
staggering numbers on the website in schools and make this common
knowledge so kids who are just starting out on the road don’t lose
sight of the importance of safety. Driving a vehicle is a huge
responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

I
have seen my best friend get hit by a semi truck right in front of me
and that moment changed my life forever. On a Monday morning, my best
friend was being driven to school in front of me by her older friend
who pulled out too quick. Seeing that truck and knowing she was in
the back seat and not having any ability to stop the actions that
were unfolding in front of me was extremely difficult. No one should
ever have to call the cops and watch their friend crawl out of the
car and lay on the ground in front of you. I think about this often
when I drive and I know to be extremely careful looking both ways and
stopping at lights. These signs are not just there without reason,
they are important and they are there to maintain order and keep
people safe.

In
order to be a safer driver, I put my phone away and I pay attention
to the road. I do not encourage any form of impaired driving and
speak up when things seem wrong. I know for a lot of teens, it’s
cool to text and drive and seems like a risky way to exert some
power. I don’t stand for this and I don’t encourage it. This is
how we should hold each other accountable and stop the bad choices.
Sharing my friends story should help people realize that actions can
have severe consequences and driving is no exception. Be safe on the
roads and don’t let anyone tell you it’s cool to drive reckless.