Behind-the-Wheel

I once asked my driver education instructor, “What is the most important part of your job?” in which she replied, “Behind-the-Wheel.” She mentioned that a classroom setting is good to talk about techniques, safe practices, and what to do in certain situations, however, being behind the wheel gives you space to put each practice in action. The goal of being a driver education instructor is to mentor a safe and independent driver, therefore, how does one do it best to accomplish this without practicing behind the wheel? Preventing a crash that potentially alters lives of many and those around them is a noble goal and is a huge responsibility in encouraging persons, especially teens, to understand the commitments involved in driving. I personally believe that the key element in driver education training is skills-based learning and hands on experiences for learners is what yields the best outcomes. Some may say this is common sense, however, many do not go through the process of actually learning techniques and safeties of driving. For instance, as a biology student that has worked in labs and has done many experiments, my experience has taught me how to retain more information when interacting and hands on experiences. I was not able to simply perform each experiment using my own knowledge, instead, the knowledge from my lab professor assisted me and taught me the safeties of each lab. This is the same as learning how to drive in which many skip this step, leading to more car crashes.

A head-start in reducing deaths relating to driving should begin inside the household. Parents are pivotal in educating, supervising, and reinforcing safe driving behaviors of their teens. Such steps like controlling access to the car strongly influence teens’ driving skills and behaviors, as well as holding them accountable for abiding by driving rules that keep them safer on the road. Although some parent’s direct supervision is only mandated during the learner phase, it is a good way to begin the journey of one’s driving experience. In terms of outside the household, improvement made on road designs can assist in the decrease of car accidents. This can be done by adding more crosswalks and signs, improving lighting, and potentially creating bike lanes. A mentor can only do so much when educating how to drive, therefore, further measures such as setting safety standards for the front ends of motor vehicles to make them less hazardous may show better results. Additionally, properly enforced traffic safety laws, such as speed control measures, are quite effective in controlling death rates.

It is unfortunate that I am one of many that have gone through an unforgettable experience of a car accident. As young as I was at the time, it was my sister and I returning home at about midnight after a “sisters’ night out.” We were already past the hour of the scheduled time of returning home, and therefore she thought it was best to speed in order to stay out of trouble. To add to it, it was barely any lights out in the pouring rain. There were barely any cars passing by on the road we decided to take which made it easier for her to speed. Upon reaching a round-a-bout, she suddenly loses control of the wheel, leading the car to swirl in circles simultaneously as we went around the round-a-bout. It took the car to hit the edge of the round-a-bout in order to stop swirling in which she felt it was the best time to slam the brakes. As we look back at this day, we are reminded of how special we are to still be here. The car could’ve flipped, caught on fire, or even potentially hitting someone else, but I am grateful for even able to share this story, especially in a way to spread awareness.

One step that I would take to better myself as a driver is to simply apply my own advice. By doing so, the goal is to listen and comprehend what my driver education instructor advises me to do. Not only by following the instructor, but also obeying the law by knowing what to do and what not to do. Alongside practicing with my parents, who have been driving for years, and taking a few skills from them. Additionally, experiencing a tragedy like a car accident has given me an open mind about driving on my own and taking extra precautions. One thing that I have learnt from my parents is the quote “If you’re already late, speeding won’t make you early,” and with that being said, take your time at all costs to ensure safety. I share this quote with everyone that I know because with this way of thinking, many would be able to realize the consequences of being late to something is way better than the consequences of an accident in hopes of beating tardiness. This is my way of being a role model, by speaking up when necessary and sharing my story such as simply writing this essay.