Name: Margaret Partlow
From: Clifton Park, NY
Votes: 0
In the drivers seat
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Everyone looks forward to their 16th birthday when they can finally go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), take the permit test and finally be able to drive. It’s so exciting … isnt it? What no one thinks about is the risk they are putting themselves into and how dangerous being behind the wheel really is. Deaths in the United States average around 34,000 per year due to driving. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. It’s of paramount importance to get proper education before getting behind the wheel. If the majority of the people on the road understand how to drive safely then the death toll might decrease.
Not everyone understands the rules of the road and that became clear to me, when I was in a car accident with my father in February of 2019. We were traveling straight over a bridge and had the green light, when a car turned left, crossing right in front of us and we collided. Luckily, no one was injured, but I felt like it was all happening in slow motion. I was so confused. My first thought was why would they have turned left against a red light. That’s something you would learn in drivers ed, so accidents like that wouldn’t occur.
Proper knowledge of driving is a fundamental rule of the road and law. of utmost importance. Driving is the number one mode of transportation in the United States and therefore; puts many peoples lives at risk every time they get behind the wheel. Leaming how to drive safely and knowing and following the rules of the road, is necessary to keep everyone safe. Drivers ed classes should be required for all prospective drivers before being able to obtain a license. Before I got my license, I took private lessons through drivers ed and as a result, I feel confident getting in my car knowing that I can drive safely and not putting anyone at risk.
To remain a safe driver, I must continue by abiding by the rules of the road and maintaining awareness of new rules, laws and regulations put into place. If I encounter a situation that I saw while driving, I should ask what would be the best thing to do in that situation. I can share those experiences with others on the importance of driving safely and how their decisions on the road could possibly save someone’s life.
Minimizing distractions can be a huge game changer when driving. Put your phone away in the glove box, keep the music on a safe volume where you can listen to it but still be focused on the road, always keep your eyes on the road. If passengers are being distracting, ask them to stop and always maintain a safe distance from the car in front. Another resource that could be helpful to all drivers is taking a defensive drivers course. This course opened my eyes and made me realize how important it is to remain calm and patient when behind the wheel. Driving education is necessary to decrease the number of injuries and deaths every year due to improper knowledge of the rules of the road.
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