The Importance of Safe Driving

Driver education is a serious and important topic that everyone should be aware of. Driving can have harmful and fatal consequences if those who partake in it are not fully educated on how to properly control a motor vehicle. Driver education exists to prevent the number of accidents on the road and save more lives as a result of more people who are aware of safe driving skills.

More people should be aware of the serious consequences they could get into if they choose to drive recklessly, under the influence, or with distractions. Every state in the country should require that everyone who wants to get a driver’s license watch panels of driving safety experts. The panels should include statistics on how many fatal driving accidents happen each year, stories from the news on those who lost their lives as a result of a motor accident that could have been prevented, and the steps to practicing safe driving habits.

I remember one time when I was in elementary school, my family and I got into a small accident when a car came zooming up to the intersection where we were stopped at a red light, the driver couldn’t hit the brakes on time and he bumped into our car. Thankfully, it wasn’t a huge crash and nobody got hurt. I can still remember how my younger brother started to cry from the shock. I did my best to nurture him while my parents got out of the car to exchange information with the driver. I despise seeing people drive irresponsibly, it infuriates me that there are people out there who have their licenses but don’t care enough to drive safely. It isn’t fair that one person’s careless driving can ruin an entire family in seconds. I wouldn’t be friends with someone who doesn’t drive safely because I don’t want to risk being involved in an accident. There are many people around the same age as me who think it’s cool to drive past the speed limit, drive under the influence, or use their phone while driving. Many teens act this way because they may be pressured by their friends, influenced by seeing stunts on social media, or use reckless driving as a way to cope with negative feelings. It’s important that we properly educate the youth on why aggressive driving is one of the most irresponsible actions you can commit as a developing person. More schools in the United States should implement mandatory lessons on proper driving. These lessons can appropriately be a part of the school systems’ health classes. I’m glad that no one in my family drives irresponsibly, but if I did have a family member who chose to partake in those actions, I would strongly advise them to put an end to their dangerous behavior.

I currently have my learner’s permit, I’m hoping to take my road test in May of this year. I’m already paying close attention to what my driving instructor teaches me about driving safely. Some further steps I can take to be safe on the road include being aware of the changing speed limit zones, such as entering a highway or school zone. Sometimes people aren’t aware of the speed limit in the zone they’re driving in, and that leads to accidents quite often. I will make sure to keep all distractions out of sight when I’m behind the wheel. This means no texting, eating, or too much focus on the radio. Many people think that they can get away with one quick glance at their phones, or lose focus on the road just to pick up a call, but these small choices can have serious consequences. I will also make sure that I am in a good state of mind before driving. Emotions play a huge part in how we control a vehicle. It is unsafe to drive while you are feeling frustrated. Anger clouds the driver from making rational decisions and it encourages unsafe driving tactics like speeding or not using signals. I remember one time when I was sitting in the passenger seat of my cousin’s car while she was driving us, and we began to have an argument. We were both too caught up in the argument that she wasn’t looking at the road and almost ran a red light.

I want others to be encouraged and motivated to drive safely. I think that sharing important information online will definitely spread the message to all those who are eligible to get a driver’s license. There should be more PSAs on television and social media, even flyers put up in spaces where much of the public will see them. Some people need reminders, even those who have had a driver’s license for years. Safe driving skills should also be passed down from parents to their children. More people will care about being safe on the road when they think about the possibilities of putting someone else’s family member at risk. I am serious about being a safe driver because I don’t want to be the cause of an accident that could physically and mentally hurt myself, my family members, and other civilians.