In the Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat

By Madeline Kovacich

Ever since I was a little girl my mom instilled in my siblings and me that driving a car is the most important thing a person does every day. It may not be the most difficult thing, or the most exciting thing, but it is the most important thing because so many variables factor into getting from one place to another safely. Simply because I am a safe driver doesn’t mean the drivers around me are being safe, and my attentiveness can make all the difference.

Driver education is important in helping new drivers understand firsthand why the rules of the road are important, and how their decisions can have a lasting impact. There are many steps to reducing the number of deaths that are related to driving. Among them are wearing seat belts, using your mirrors and always knowing your surroundings. In addition, it’s important to not be overly tired before getting behind the wheel and it’s critical to keep your eyes on the road at all times without being distracted by calls, texts or videos. Knowing and following the rules of the road help keep everyone safe.

Living in Minnesota, there are also steps that can be taken to survive winter driving on snow and ice. I’ve had to learn how to allow my car to handle when ice takes away my control, especially black ice that is hard to see. When the driving weather isn’t favorable, but going to school or work is a must, I give myself extra time and slow down as I’m nearing intersections because the worst feeling is sliding into an intersection and not knowing if the other cars will see me or be able to stop. Luckily, I’m getting the hang of winter driving and keep my car stocked with all the gear I need to keep my car snow and ice free, and to be set in case of an emergency.

I haven’t been in a car accident, but less than two weeks ago five high school seniors in my community were hanging out together. They were driving and due to speed lost control going over a bump in the road and the car hit a tree. Sadly, one of the seniors died; two of them will have extensive recoveries; and all four survivors lost a good friend. Our community continues to grieve and realize just how quickly and unexpectedly an evening out with friends can be forever changed.

Ever since the accident, I’ve been in conversations with friends and classmates about the importance of not taking risks and always following simple guidelines such as always buckling my seatbelt and making sure everyone in my car does the same. While the thrill of going fast can be fun, I’ll save that rush for roller coasters and jet skis, not the road where others’ lives could be at stake. I would never be able to live with the reality that my actions could hurt someone else, especially if I was reckless. Being a safe and educated driver is something to be proud of, and I want to be known as responsible.

My sister just completed driver education and turns 15 in a few weeks. She asks lots of questions when I’m driving so I show and tell her helpful hints that have benefited me since I started driving two years ago. One thing I’ve shared with her is to use your peripheral vision so you always know what’s going on around you. We live in a suburb where deer are prevalent so always keeping an eye out for the unexpected is key. Pedestrian deaths have also been on the rise in our area, so staying vigilant and driving slower in residential areas and parking lots is an important way to be sure everyone is safe.

Shortly after getting my license I was driving to work and about to turn right when a guy on a bike tried to race across the street before I turned the corner. It was a situation where he should have yielded to me, but instead I slammed on my brakes and waited until he had crossed. I was so nervous, but it also was a good reminder that I need to be calm when I drive and know there will be situations outside of my control. Common sense is just as important as following the rules.

There are so many things to remember when you’re on the road, but being alert, following the rules and being cognizant of my surroundings are ways that make me a responsible driver every time I get in my car to keep myself, my passengers and those around me safe. Now as I sit in the driver’s seat, the mantra I grew up hearing from my mom remains true: driving a car is the most important thing a person does every day.

Word count: 810