Safety First

Many people take for granted the opportunity to be able to drive and get places faster than walking or biking.  Being able to drive is a privilege, it is a right you are given once you turn a certain age.  As citizens, we should be honored to have the privilege to drive wherever we would like to go or need to go. However, young adults are so focused on the ability to get their driver’s license once they turn sixteen that they don’t see it as a privilege.  They ignore the factors that come along with having your driver’s license.  Some of those factors include; being responsible, not speeding, and being aware of your surroundings.  As a driver, we must be fully educated on all the factors that go along with being behind the wheel.  When driving, an accident can occur very quickly and can put anyone at a high risk.  I believe that if you want to become a safe and reliable driver, you should be required to take a course and abide by all the rules and regulations.  For example, cell phones have become a major risk factor when it comes to driving.  It takes less than a half of a second of looking at your cell phone that you could cause an accident.  There is absolutely no need for anyone to be fidgeting with their phone while driving.  If you are the driver, your eyes should remain on the road, and you should be aware of the surrounding road signs so as not to put others and ourselves at risk of crashing. If we fix what we can control while driving, our actions then  may reduce the number of deaths. 

In order to reduce the number of deaths, we must first be aware of our own doing.  We need to ask ourselves, am I putting others and myself at a high risk while behind the wheel?  If we are, then we need to evaluate our actions and choices and adapt to them so we can allow other drivers on the road to feel safe.  Additionally, as a driver, we must take into consideration the safety of those around us.  Personally, as a driver, I want to feel safe when driving and know that the cars surrounding me are not a dangerous threat to my life.  I want to feel a sense of comfort and security.  In order to feel safe while driving, we must abide by the speed limit.  Being cautious should be a priority.  For example, we should not go over the speed limit even when we think no cars are around us.  Even if there are no cars around us, and we are speeding, we now are putting ourselves in the position of possibly losing control of the vehicle and running into a building, telephone pole, houses, and so on.  We must not be selfish while driving because everyone and anything can be put in a dangerous situation.  And, it only takes one little wrong move or decision to put others in jeopardy of their life. 

Moreover, I personally have never been in a car accident or have seen any family members drive irresponsibly.  As a young driver, I have been taught by my parents and grandparents the responsibility I have as a driver.  They have been my role models and showed me how to be a cautious driver.  They have taught me the importance of paying attention and not being distracted while driving.  I have been held to a high standard when it comes to being able to drive safely.  Driving is a privilege, and it can easily be taken away from you due to irresponsibility.  Personally, when people ask me if I like driving, I say no, and then they question why I do not like it.  Right away everyone’s response is well you are a young adult you should enjoy driving, it is a way to escape and do what you want on your own.  To me, I do not need to use driving as a way to escape or feel like I have this freedom.  Driving is a very serious thing, and it should not be taken lightly.  Whenever I drive, I always think of the possible situations that could happen, like what if someone crashes into me.  Something so small can quickly turn into something so large, which then affects my will to want to drive.  I do not want my life to end just because someone was not driving responsibly.  Therefore, as parents, we should be educating our young children on the proper way to drive.  

As a young driver, I will continue to not use my phone while driving or listen to music loudly.  Also, I will wear my seatbelt for the safety of myself and others.  I also will continue to abide by the laws and regulations that the state gives to drivers in order to keep everyone safe on the road.  In addition, I can help those around me continue to become a safe driver by reminding them that driving is an amazing opportunity, but it can be taken away if you do not drive safely.  Also, it is important to call people out when they are on their phones or trying to dig through a bag while driving. 

Overall, driving can be a very useful tool we have to use, but it can also be used incorrectly and put those around us in harm.  So, the next time you are driving, remind yourself that you should be a safe and careful driver.  Then those on the road can feel safe knowing that the other person is very responsible behind the wheel.