Safe Driving

Drivers Education is an amazing course provided to beginners. There are several reasons why driver’s education is in place. Drivers Ed is meant to teach young adults or adults the rules about the roads and driving, and even the dangers involved in unsafe driving. It is meant to keep us safe and ensure that everyone is following the same rules and regulations.

When someone takes driver’s ed they learn the basics of the road. They learn the “correct” ways to turn, make lane changes, merge on the freeway, and even how to park and this is to help everyone. When everyone knows how the roads work then there will be fewer accidents. However, driver’s ed isn’t only about learning about how to drive, some teach you about routine vehicle maintenance such as regular oil changes, tire pressure, and even how to change a tire which is also important to know. When everyone knows the rules there are fewer chances for accidents which results in fewer injuries, but most importantly deaths.

One thing that can happen to change the number of deaths is the amount of people who speed or drive under the influence. The number one cause of death while driving is speeding. Regardless if you’re running late or “just want to have fun” the posted speed limit is put in place to keep everyone on the road safe. It is there so people don’t possibly lose control of the car or run into or over things. While not speeding is important, listening to all the rules of the road is very important. Driving under the influence can very well be prevented but it is still a major cause of accidents. When you get behind the wheel, you have to be in control at all times. But if you are under the influence, your motor skills are affected and your reaction to situations can and will be affected which can cause you to make a decision you may regret later in life. Drivers Ed teaches us that driving under the influence should never happen no matter the circumstances and you should always choose an alternate way to get safely to your destination.

When I was ten years old my cousin, my grandma and I got into a car accident. We were going straight at a light and a truck wasn’t paying attention and turned left right in front of us and hit us. My grandma was unfortunately hurt badly and had to get screws placed in her left leg. Thankfully my cousin and I were in the back seat and just got minor cuts and no major injuries, although I still have a scar on my foot to this day that reminds me of the crash. The crash took a toll on my cousin and me since we were so young. I’m scared to drive and she took a while to be able to drive herself. We were following the rules of the road but unfortunately for someone else’s distracted driving my grandma can’t walk the same anymore.

Something that shapes how I see driving is how my dad is when he drives. He isn’t the safest or most consistent driver and that makes me worried. Especially when me and my family have to drive long distances. He’ll sometimes go on his phone so he can put something to watch or isn’t paying attention. He can also be an animated talker so he gets distracted easily too. Me and my mom have to tell him sometimes to slow down or pay more attention just so we can be safe and keep others safe. He has never put us or anyone else in big danger however I don’t want it to ever get to that either.

These incidents have shaped how I view driving and how I think of driving. For a while, I was scared to drive, and still am. Although driving isn’t mandatory it can be a big part of people’s life. People need to go to school and work and most people get there by driving. So, to be scared isn’t ideal. I made sure to learn almost every rule of the road and always try to hold my family and friends accountable for how they are driving.

Some steps I can take to be a better driver are to pay full attention to the road at all times and be aware of my surroundings. Another thing I can do is follow all the rules of the road. One final and very important step I can take is to ensure my friends and I never drive under the influence.