Audi thrill or alive and chill

The importance of
Drivers ed is so underestimated and is vital for awareness, as
one can never be totally prepared for what is on the road. People can
be unpredictable, and Drivers ed teaches us how to drive
safely according to the law, and to use that knowledge in the choices
we make. It helps us prepare and correctly respond to situations that
could be life threatening. It helps us know the standards for safe
driving for our own safety and of those around us.

The number of
deaths on the road is unacceptably high. One choice to increase your
speed above the limit could cost you your life or someone else’s.
My father said to me as he handed me the car keys, “This will be
the most dangerous thing you do”. Those words hit me deep, as the
next week a student from our High School was killed in a car
accident, going 80 mph in a 55mph speed limit. My family moved to the
US from Scotland, and my parents took the test to gain their US
license. They both passed it, but it was a good reminder for them
after years of driving not to be complacent about it. People need a
constant reminder of driving basics and the rules and regulations on
and off the road.

I have been in a vehicle when the driver was driving irresponsibly. I
had the feeling that my life could be over in a few seconds. People
like this who drive like NASCAR drivers need to be stopped. I’d
rather be 10 minutes late to something than kill myself or anyone
else. I was on the way to a rugby match with five mates and the
driver took the corner to get on a country road, and I think my gut
flipped. We were in my friend’s new stick-shift Audi and he hit the
gas so hard it made me nauseous. He went 0-60 in seconds, and
conversation went from talking to screaming. He pushed through the
gears and was cutting corners when we hit 100 MPH. I saw the
speedometer and for a second everything was in slow motion. I yelled
as loud as I could in my friend’s ear. He slammed on the breaks and
everyone bolted out of the car. All four passengers grabbed our stuff
and walked in our cleats to the pitch and then got a bus home after
the game, as we did not want to drive with someone insane like him.
He was caught speeding on the way home and was banned from driving by
his parents for a year.

I do follow the
law and use the skills and lessons that were taught to me in Drivers
Education. I could further safety on the road by being a good example
and help others to make wise choices. If you’re behind the wheel
don’t give in to the thrill – put your brain in gear and chill.