Name: Rebecca Grace Trogdon
From: Grass Valley, California
Votes: 0
It’s
Just a Habit!
Right now,
I am writing this essay with the monotonous drone of a Hallmark
Christmas film, the crashing sounds of the dishwasher being loaded,
and my family’s philosophical discussion on what exactly a
“Thanksgiving movie” is assaulting my ears. In this current
situation, I would be in no condition to operate a multi-thousand
pound vehicle. Yet often that is exactly what I see others
doing—allowing the distraction of their phone, the other passengers
in the car, and other drivers to keep them from focusing on safe
driving practices. This problem shows the importance of having a
solid drivers ed as a requirement before getting a driver’s
permit and license, as the healthy habits formed by it can prevent
new drivers from being distracted on the road.
Although
studying with a drivers ed program may seem tedious at
times, it is important to remember that following the rules outlined
by it reduces the risk of getting in an accident. For example, after
the state of Oregon began enacting stricter regulations over its
drivers ed standards, there was a 55% drop in serious
crashes involving 16-year-olds and an almost 40% drop involving
17-year-olds over the next decade1.
A study in Nebraska also revealed that teens who did not complete
drivers ed were 24% more likely to be involved in a
critical or fatal accident2.
Still, simply taking a drivers ed course is not enough to
reduce one’s own risk of being involved in an accident. The rules
of the road must become habit by repetition.
Even though I have not started driving myself, I am in the
process of completing in a drivers ed program. This has
been difficult to do, as driving is a big source of anxiety for me.
Seeing the effects of accidents on the road and having a few close
calls as a passenger have contributed to this, as well as a lack of
personal confidence. But my future as a working college student is
getting closer, and the reality that I will need a driver’s license
has become clear. This realization gives me the motivation to
continue, and I know that it will help me being the safest driver
that I can be while encouraging others to be safe on the road.
Driving at
any age can be challenging and scary at times, but it is comforting
to know that the knowledge provided by a drivers ed program
will always prove useful. When applied correctly, the habits it
produces could save your life. As trivial as buckling a seatbelt,
checking the mirrors, and keeping both hands on the wheel might seem,
these habits contribute towards a safe driving experience for
everyone involved.
