Steps For Being Behind the Wheel

Clayton McKinstry

November 18, 2020

Drivers Education Essay

Steps For Being Behind the Wheel

Drivers education is important to teach kids the proper rules, what to do in certain situations, and steps to take to be a safe driver. By teaching kids these things, it will prevent deaths caused by car accidents every year. When kids become the age when they can drive, they have to go through courses to learn information on what is required when they drive. This information they learn will help them pass a written test, and then when this is passed, they are to drive with an instructor, to learn how to properly drive. When driving with an instructor you have to follow all rules like obeying all road signs, following the speed limits, and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Many steps to reduce deaths caused by car accidents are in driver manuals. Although there are many steps and rules in the manual, there are others that may not be. Some simple steps to take whenever you are in a vehicle would be to check your mirrors before driving, making sure yourself and all passengers have seatbelts on, make sure you have your phone where it will not distract you, and also check all of your surroundings. Another way to make sure you and others stay safe is to always drive like you would if your instructor/teacher is in the car; this is just like the saying would you do that if your grandparents were watching because some people drive differently when alone. In addition to all of these steps, make sure you know how you feel whether you are tired and need to rest, or mad/sad and need to cool off before getting behind the wheel on the road to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Personally, I have been very fortunate to not be in a car accident, but have witnessed many of my friends and family members drive irresponsibly. I have many times been in a car with people who are on their phone sending texts to other people when driving. I always try to tell them to stop or offer to text for them in order to make sure they focus on the road. Although you may feel safe doing it, it is not and you put many others at risk. I have also seen or known of people who have driven while under the influence which is not only illegal but very dangerous. I have been a part of many programs which discourage people from using drugs and alcohol, and teach how they affect you. If you are under the influence of either or both, your brain is not seeing or thinking clearly, and when on the road you need to have full focus.

Steps that I personally can take everytime I go to drive would be to make sure that the mirrors and seat are adjusted for me, as well as making sure I have music to play and all things that would distract me are put away. Some ways I can help others be safe would be to make sure they are taking proper steps every time they enter their cars, and they are not distracted. As much as is learned in driver’s education, there is much that is learned by example. When I consistently drive responsibly, this example will be picked up by current and future drivers who ride with me, making them safer drivers as well.