Our Futures in the Driver’s Seat

Our Future in the Driver’s Seat

As a seventeen-year-old currently going through the process of having a license of my own, I began to realize that driving is very serious. When you’re younger you can’t wait to get out of the house and explore the world around you. Many of my peers that have gotten their license claim that all you need to pass the written and drivers test is common sense. Although that may be true, I would not trust them if I were in the passenger seat of their car.

Unfortunately, driving under any circumstance has caused an average of 34,000 deaths in America each year. These accidents could be caused by drunk driving, reckless driving, or distracted driving. It is very important to be well informed about driver’s education before you put your own life and the life of others in danger. We should all be knowledgeable about the rules of the road and safety precautions before we sit in the drivers’ seat. There are many steps that can be taken to decrease the number of deaths related to driving. The first and more obvious is to attend classes of driver education. Study the information given and have it memorized so that it’ll not only help you pass the test but stay with you for the rest of your life. Another step is to act responsibly. Many of the deaths related to driving are caused by teenagers ages 16-18. We must be mature and cautious of those around us on the road. Last but not least is to be aware of your surroundings. To help do so, put away all distractions, maximize your focus on the road, and be considerate of others.

I have never experienced a car crash before although I have experienced friends and family driving irresponsibly. They get mad at me when I correct their mistakes. It’s very unfortunate to see that simple mistakes could lead to tragedies. Like mentioned before, I am currently studying to have a license, but I’ve noticed that I learn quicker when I see the mistakes of others. As a visual learner I see how others drive on the road and take a mental note on what to do and what not to do. I believe it’s benefited me to become a better driver. Steps that I will take to become a better and safer driver are to be considerate of others. That’ll be my number one rule because I’d like to keep in my mind that everyone is risking their lives to be on the road. It’s very important to be cautious of others. Another step I’ll take is to be knowledgeable of all the rules of the road. I’d like to be prepared when it comes to any situation that may cause confusion to myself or others. Hopefully my steps could also benefit the lives of others on the road. Drive safe!