Rules of the Road

Teenagers across the country yearn for the day in which they are able to drive a vehicle. While this experience is considered new, fun, and exciting for teenagers, it is equally as agonizing for parents. On my 15th birthday, I hurried to the DMV and took my permit test to enable me to legally drive. Shortly after obtaining my driver’s license, I was able to drive without restrictions. However, I was not aware of the dangers of the road itself.

One of the first lessons I learned while driving was that one should drive not only for one’s self but also for others. When others are not driving safely, one must learn to avoid potential wrecks. Observing family and friends texting while driving, playing distracting music, and exceeding speed limits have shown me ways in which one can drive irresponsibly. Although they know that these activities are prohibited while driving, the temptation to respond to a text or drive fast is too great to resist.

Incorporating measures to break bad driving habits and limit distractions in motorized vehicles can greatly aid in the reduction of accidents and deaths. Many high school and college students along with adults find it acceptable to participate in dangerous activities like speeding in the rain, swerving in and out of lanes, and running stop signs. This misconception results from a lack of proper drivers ed.

Oftentimes, students decline to take in school drivers ed courses and are only taught what their parents teach them resulting in new drivers learning banned driving habits. Many parents have not taken a driver’s test for a long time and have forgotten road rules. One can ask, “How can parents properly teach their children when they no longer know the rules themselves? Mandating every student to take drivers ed courses while in school will help to create a universal language that everyone can follow while on the road. All students would learn updated basic driving rules and etiquette that would prevent reckless driving habits that lead to deaths.

In addition to drivers ed, there are technical steps that can reduce driving deaths. Adding features to cars that alert operators when dangerous activities are taking place can help provide safety to drivers and passengers. Newer model cars alert drivers when veering off the road and steer vehicles back to safety and will brake for the driver when getting too close to other vehicles. Adding these features to all cars would be vital to reducing the number of motor vehicle deaths. Furthermore, all states should mandate adult drivers to retake an online driver’s test along with obtaining clearance from a doctor every ten years to ensure each driver has the physical capacity to drive safely. Incorporating rules learned from drivers ed while driving will encourage me to become a better, safer driver. Moreover, speaking up when others are participating in unsafe activities while driving will aid in helping others break bad habits and take the first step in reducing driving-related deaths.