Driving: A Greater Responsibility Than You Think

One of the most important milestones in one’s life is receiving their driver’s license. Having the ability to drive gives people all over the world a new sense of independence as you are able to go anywhere and anywhere. Almost everyone drives, as 9 out of 10 people drive. Driver education helps a lot with teaching new drivers, young and old, about the rules of the road and how to navigate it. It is super important to have your license and with that it is super important to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right. This privilege can easily be taken away if the rules of the road aren’t followed.

We are in control of the vehicle we are driving, the car does not control us. It is super important to always be fully attentive when driving because it only takes one little distraction that can ruin your life and/or someone else’s. I remember when I was thirteen years old, I was on my way home from my summer internship and it was only 30 minutes away from my house, yet the traffic was so bad. I ended up being in the car for almost two hours. I remember being so tired and complaining because I wanted to go home, especially after being in the car for a long time and a long day at my internship. This was very selfish of me though because when we reached the end of the traffic, I realized that a car accident occurred. A sedan ended up under a truck and I saw a body bag. Someone died from this car accident while I was complaining about going home. This put a lot into perspective for me and I was only thirteen years old.

As soon as I turned sixteen, I got my permit and enrolled in a driver’s education program as soon as I was able to. I learned so much about the rules of the road and of course, got my own hands on experience with an instructor by my side. It was a huge help that my father would take me every week to drive. I had so much practice with my driving school and outside of it. By the time I took my road test, I felt so ready and it is honestly all thanks to driving school and my father, of course. I learned the importance I have on the road, so that I never get put in a situation where I can potentially harm myself or others.

When driving, it is super important to limit distractions when in the car as this can increase the risk of accidents. An example of a distraction is taking your eyes off of the road, such as texting and driving. Texting, or any type of phone usage, while driving is a huge distraction as your eyes are going off the road to your phone. Nothing is ever that important to risk your eyes off of the road. As well, taking your hands off of the wheel is another example of a distraction, such as eating and driving. When you are driving, driving is the main priority and only action that should be occurring in the car. Driving and eating at the same time is a danger as both hands should be on the wheel at the same time. You can’t eat when both hands are supposed to be on the wheel. Lastly, when driving your mind should be attentive and aware. This can’t happen if the driver is under the influence. There are laws in place that restrict drinking under the influence and smoking marijuana under the influence. Both of these substances alter the perception and coordination of the driver. Driving and substance abuse do not go together.

When it comes to being a safe and responsible driver, it is very important to remember that everyone is a new driver at one point or another. You can never compare yourself to the driving ability of others, however, it is super important to continue to learn and perfect your driving skills. That way you can prevent yourself and others from getting hurt on the road because as we know, driving is a huge responsibility. It is important to continue to educate yourself and others on the rules of the road. If you are in a position to help improve the driving skills of others, then do so! It will make the roads safer in order to help prevent any mishaps on the road.