Driving is a Privilege

Driving
is a Privilege

Throughout
the years of my life thus far, my parents have encouraged and taught
me to be a safe driver. I remember my father telling me, “Driving
is a privilege and it should not be taken for granted.” While
learning how to drive at the age of sixteen, I
realized what my father’s saying meant.

I
recall an instance during one of my driving lessons when my life
flashed in front of my eyes. It was nighttime when my mom was
teaching me to drive. I was driving on a wide road, and everything
seemed to be fine. However, a car behind us was going slow at times
and very fast at other times. My mom and I both had a feeling that
something was wrong. I slowly noticed the driver behind us was
beginning to drive faster and was gaining on us. All of a sudden, the
driver swerved right in front of me. I immediately slammed the
brakes.

I
was traumatized. If it hadn’t been by a few milliseconds, my car and
the reckless driver’s car would’ve been totaled and we all would’ve
been severely injured. A few blocks ahead, I noticed the police had
pulled over the same driver.

This
moment reinforced my father’s saying. I noticed how the reckless
driver had been abusing his privilege, and it resulted in him being
pulled over. In addition, the abuse of privilege almost resulted in
the injury of others. I recognized that privileges can be taken away
and understood that as driver’s we have to constantly stay alert.

As
a student driver, I recognized the importance of driver’s
education. As my peers in school were beginning to drive, I realized
that any one of them could potentially face a life-threatening
situation on the road. I realized how it would be beneficial for them
to get educated on safe driving skills since it could possibly save
so many lives.

In
this spirit, I helped my school’s DECA chapter partner with Teens
in the Driver’s Seat. This program encourages teens to practice safe
driving skills. Through this program, we presented to Drivers Ed
Classes and to classes that had multiple student drivers. We taught
them the five golden rules of driving which included:

1. No
   alcohol

2. No
   cell phone use while driving

3. Seatbelt
   first

4. No
   speeding

5. No
   unnecessary passengers

During
the presentation we also performed scenarios in which we went over
how to avoid dangerous situations on the road. After the
presentation, I received great feedback from my peers, and they
informed me how they would utilize the advice while driving.

I,
like my peers, also committed to adopting these five golden rules and
becoming a safe driver. As of now, I practice safe driving skills too
by avoiding cell phone use, wearing my seatbelt, following the speed
limit, and staying alert.

I
hope I was able to help and offer some advice to my peers and to
those who read this essay. Thank you!