Drive Safe, Drive Happy

Drive
Safe, Drive Happy

When I took Drivers Ed
almost two years ago, I was absolutely horrified at the videos shown
that displayed the terrible things that can happen when people text,
are drunk, etc. while driving. In fact, I was so impacted by them
that I lost my desire to drive! Although I did get over that and can
drive comfortably now, those videos that my Drivers Ed instructor
showed helped me and the class see the tragic results of abusing the
privilege of driving. Where driving is concerned, it’s okay to be a
little scared of everything involved. Anything that has the potential
of taking other people’s lives, including vehicles, should not be
taken lightly. Drivers ed is important because, along with
teaching us how to drive, it can teach us how serious it is to drive.
As more and more people realize that fact, less and less deaths will
come about from careless driving.

Once
we see that driving is indeed dangerous, we can start thinking about
the things that can be done to keep the highway death toll down. For
starters, we need to make sure that everyone is wearing their
seatbelts. Then after that, we should verify that whoever is driving
(including ourselves) is completely capable of driving. Make sure
that they are not distracted and can stay alert and watchful as they
drive. Then, make sure that speed limits and road rules are carefully
followed. Just think for a moment: if every single person driving
today did those simple things, how much safer would our highways be?
I think we can all agree that there would be a lot less heartache
from car accidents.

By
God’s goodness, I have never been in a car accident. However, there
are thousands of others who have. My uncle was killed in a car
accident caused by a drunk driver when he was only a boy. My
great-grandmother was injured in an accident as a young woman.
Horrible things can happen when people are not careful.
Unfortunately, too many of us are not being careful when we are
behind the wheel. I have seen my family members driving with only
part of their attention on the road. I myself am guilty of letting
myself get too distracted while driving. Distraction comes with a
price, and if it continues, we will have to pay.

So,
in conclusion, how can I do my part to lower the car accident death
rates? Well, every time I get into the driver’s seat, I need to
remember how serious it is to drive. I am responsible for the vehicle
I am driving, and I do not want to be responsible for the injuries my
vehicle could cause someone else. Then, after I make sure I can drive
safely by buckling up, checking my alertness, removing distractions
and following the rules, I am ready to take off and safely enjoy the
privilege of driving!