The Highs and Lows of Driving

Everyone makes mistakes: it’s how you learn from them that really matter. However, that mistake could cost you your life and the lives of others. Driving is a useful and now essential skill in this era, but it comes with many risks. Lessening these risks and knowing how to avoid and prevent any possible dangers is the key to a successful driver. Obviously, you won’t be able to prevent all dangers, but being aware of the ones in your control will keep the streets safer for you and others. This is the purpose of drivers ed in the school system. Most teenagers near the starting driving ages are ecstatic to get on the road, having the freedom to go wherever they please, and trust me, I’ve been there. Using this enthusiasm to properly teach them not only how to control a car but also know the importances of road signs and road conditions will make a generation of more knowledgeable teen drivers. Drivers ed does not intend to scare students from driving but brings to light the dangers of reckless driving, encouraging students to always be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Everyone has had an experience of a reckless driver, whether or not they have suffered the consequences. I personally have never been in a car accident but have been in a car with a reckless driver, whether my father and I were late to baseball practice or my friend simply thrives for the adrenaline rush of speed. I personally felt unsafe and uncomfortable at times, especially since I was unable to control the speed, since I was simply just a passenger. Luckily, nothing bad has happened, but the chances are not unlikely and increase as speed increases. Taking your time as a driver allows you and your passengers to stay as safe as possible on the road to your destinations. Speed is the main characteristic of a careless driver, but the abundance of distractions can be even worse. Cell phones are a main source of distractions to drivers. Many teens are addicted to their phones and social media, and they can’t live a second without checking their notifications. Add this habit to driving, and this could lead to serious consequences. Other distractions, such as passengers, can hinder driving safety. As a driver, putting your eyes on anything other than the road is the last thing you want to do. One second, you are looking back at your friend, and the next thing you see is your car on the other side of the road as a car comes down that way. These distractions could do just that, leading to an increased risk for not just only the driver but also the passengers the driver is responsible for. Always being focused on the road can allow for maximum safely in a vehicle. All in all, speeding and being distracted are dangerous habits while driving, and the drivers ed system is important to show the dangers in these habits.