Not so simple now, is it?

Allyson
Nelson

Not
so simple now, is it?

Learning
to drive is a quintessential part of a person’s teenage years. The
thrill of sitting behind the wheel for the first time, starting the
engine, and pushing the gas pedal is a unique experience that cannot
be mimicked by any other event. Many new drivers, though, only see
the glamour of hitting the open road instead of the whole essence of
driving. “It should be straightforward”, they say, “just like
in the movies!”

But
the movies don’t show you the risks of driving—like injuring
yourself and others—do they?

The
importance of adequate drivers ed for all new drivers is
essential as the number of deaths concerning driving continues to
rise. In the United States, an average of 34,000 people die per year
as a result of driving. Far too many innocent lives are cut short as
a result of mistakes and accidents that could be avoided with a
simple drivers ed course. Educating new drivers on how to
properly operate a car, how to safely drive depending on their
geographical location and how to obey the rules of the road are
precautions that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the driver,
their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Having learned
these simple facts will not only boost the new driver’s confidence
in their driving abilities but will aid in preventing the untimely
deaths of many future Americans who do not deserve to have their
lives taken away due to driver negligence.

I
have witnessed firsthand the dangers of irresponsible driving as
countless family members and friends of mine have put themselves and
others at risk due to their lack of awareness for safety on the road.
Far too many times have I heard stories of bad car accidents, both
with people I know and on the news, that could have been avoided if
the driver had taken more time to be aware of their surroundings and
prioritized safety when operating a car. These rash and
ill-considered antics cannot continue at their current rate and must
be addressed for the danger that they present to our society. America
cannot afford to lose anyone else to an uneducated driver’s
careless mistakes. That is why, going forward, I am taking every step
necessary to ensure that I am fully capable of safely driving a car.
On my journey to attaining my driver’s license, I have informed
myself of how to constantly improve on my driving skills and what
precautionary measures I can take to promote the well-being of
others, including obeying the posted speed limit, being cautious of
my surroundings, staying attentive to the road, and wearing my
seatbelt at all times. I have also encouraged older family members
and friends to re-familiarize themselves with the rules of the road
to refresh their minds on simple safety tips when driving. Taking
these important steps to promote safe driving will help ensure that
innocent lives are saved and reckless driving is eradicated once and
for all.