Driving: The Difference Between a Safe Trip and a Life Ended Too Soon

Learning to drive is an exciting stage in life. In most contexts, it allows a high school student to finally gain some independence and freedom from their parents. But it works both ways as well; if the driver has younger siblings, they can often be used for transportation at the expense of their new freedom. However, with this new freedom comes increased responsibility, as drivers are not only responsible for their own lives but for everyone else’s who is on the road as well.

Driver education is an extremely important part of this process. Learning the rules of the road is only the beginning of becoming a safe driver. By the time kids enter driving school, they are at a variety of different levels, both in knowledge and skill. For example, I knew the difference between gas and brakes and the basics, like green means go and red means stop. However, I never had any diving experience other than driving up the driveway before I got my permit. Learning and studying the rules of the basics, like go and stop, are just as important as the more advanced ones, such as a protected turn, round-a-bout, or the meaning of different stripes on the road. The truth is, no one can build on their more advanced skills until they master the basics. That is why proper instruction is so critical. Without it, it is easy to feel lost and confused, which can lead to trouble on the road.

Learning the rules is only half the battle; the other half starts when the driver enters the car. Just as the rules of the road are important, so is knowing how to operate the vehicle. Each vehicle is slightly different and should be explored before setting out onto the road. The driver should know how to work the transmission lever, adjust the mirrors, and use the turn signal. Equally important, especially when driving in harsh weather conditions, is to locate the windshield wipers. By knowing the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle correctly, deaths caused by car acids can be greatly decreased right off the bat.

Outside of proper education, reducing the number of deaths on the road can be helped by adhering to rules set in place. If these laws are not followed, increasing the penalty for breaking the rule could also help. Factors such as drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt can all increase the number of deaths caused by driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is not only illegal but can also cause drivers to make impulsive decisions they wouldn’t otherwise make. Teaching teens the responsibility of not driving drunk and instead not drinking at all, or getting a ride from a sober person if drunk, would be a big step in the right direction. Similarly, distracted driving is just as bad. Imagine if your new teen driver was driving at a high speed on an icy road while holding a coffee in one hand, a phone in the other, and driving with their knees. Not a good picture, right? Now, this may be an extreme example, but it is one that is totally possible. Being a good role model for new drivers cannot be understated. People learn from examples and follow out of habit, so be a good influence. Speeding is also dangerous; it gives drivers less reaction time to stop if something were to jump in front of them or a crash were to occur up ahead. Wearing a seatbelt would prevent many deaths just because a lot of automobile deaths occur each year due to seatbelts not being worn.

Although I have never had the experience of being in a car accident (thankfully!), I have witnessed my parents drive irresponsibly before. I am usually pretty good about pointing it out, and then they will fix it. It can be annoying, though, when they have to teach four children how to drive and do not set the best examples themselves. Usually this involves my mom checking or replying to a text message while actively moving, and my dad will sometimes drive over the speed limit. I have made it a priority of mine to set a good example if I ever teach anyone how to drive.

Some steps that I can take to become a better driver include driving according to the weather and not being influenced by other drivers on the road. If it is snowing and the roads are covered in ice, it would make sense for me to drive a little below the speed limit in order to make sure that I do not slide off the road or into the other lane. I am usually pretty good at this, but I can disregard it at times because my car handles very well in the snow. Another thing I can get better at is not being influenced by other people’s driving. If a person is tailing me pretty close, I tend to want to speed up, but that can increase the danger even more. I also feel the pressure to make a decision quickly if I have been sitting at a stop sign for a long period of time. Both of these are bad habits that I am working to end. Helping others be safe on the road can be increased by being a defensive driver. This means anticipating dangerous situations before they arise and planning accordingly. I would also use my bad habits as examples of what not to do for new drivers.

All in all, while driving is a privilege and can be very exciting and fun, it is important to stay safe. By knowing how to follow road rules and safely operate a vehicle, the risk of driving deaths can be decreased significantly.