Choose to Live: Life Begins or Ends with Driving

Getting a driver’s license is something that every child wishes for from the time they know what it is. They dream of the day they’ll be able to transport themselves instead of relying on others, and when that moment comes, it’s easy to get carried away. The child-turned-teenager sometimes forgets the dangers of driving, demonstrating how nightmares can become a reality. Therefore, it’s imperative to realize at a young age that while a great thing, having a driver’s license is a large responsibility for not only yourself but for others on the road with you. Driver education and personal experiences are the starting points for reducing the number of people who die in avoidable car accidents.

These days, teens may find it easy to fly through driver classes and on-the-road tests. After all, they only want their license, and people tend to believe they’re invincible. They follow the common phrase, “It never happens to me.” However, what happens when it finally is you crushed behind the wheel because of your carelessness? It’s too late, which is why it’s extremely important to pay attention during driver education. While the instructors are there to teach people how to drive, they’re also stressing observational skills on the road. Having a good education and paying attention in the driver’s seat can reduce the number of deaths resulting from driving. If you believe you don’t have the necessary vigilance behind the wheel, ask friends and family for help. It’s better to be accountable for your faults than be dead.

Personally, I’ve heard a few stories in my own life where family members have driven irresponsibly. The first person who suffered from his mistakes was my uncle. He was driving on pain medications and unfortunately slammed into a tree on the side of the road. When he was transported to the hospital, the doctors decided that his leg would need to be amputated. Although he survived the damage from his own reckless mistakes, he suffered the harsh consequences. He ended up getting a prosthetic, and he was never the same again. Furthermore, when my grandfather was younger, likely in his 30s, he was drunk driving one day. During this, he drove off the road, rolled down a ravine, and landed in a river upside down. He died on the scene, but they were able to resuscitate him, and he’s now doing much better in his 60s.

Considering this, I’ve taken driving safely very personally and seriously. I don’t want to have these horrible situations happen to me, so I take every precaution to ensure they don’t. Therefore, there are a few rules I drive by. The first is that I never drive impaired. Not only am I only a teenager so it isn’t legal to use alcohol, but it’s simply a stupid decision. I also have never and will never try drugs that could result in making bad driving decisions. Next, I drive very attentively, and each thing I do while driving is purposeful. I constantly check my side and rearview mirrors, look at my blind spot when merging, and pay close attention to what other drivers are doing. I don’t depend on other drivers to do what they’re supposed to, so I’m very conscious of what cars are around me to avoid any accidents. Finally, I obey all traffic signs and lights while also keeping a safe distance between my car and other ones. When I took driver’s training, one of the things that really stuck with me was when my instructor said that I should always keep a three or four-second gap between my car and the one in front of me. This could be determined by marking an object that the other car passes and counting the seconds it takes me to reach that object. This way, I have adequate time to slow down if the car in front must stop abruptly.

In addition, I want to become better at telling others what I know about driving. Frequently, my friends tell me that I’m a great driver, but sometimes they say that I’m too safe. Whenever this comes up, I question if I’m the one who’s too safe or if they aren’t safe enough. Driving isn’t a game. It’s not something that always gives second chances, so I’d like to keep my first chance as long as possible. I’ve grown up in a small community where words get around quickly, and a lot of the time I see what members of the community say. I’ve seen good information about a lot of different topics, but not necessarily safe driving. I want to make a difference in the lives of others because too many people die from car accidents these days. If by me telling even just my friends can save a life, then I’m doing my part. Hence, a step I can take to help others be safer drivers is to tell friends and family my main rules on the road. Also, if a person is struggling in their driver’s education class, I will offer all the help I can. Lastly, I will demonstrate all the right ways to drive so people know I practice what I preach.

All in all, safe driving and getting a good driver’s education are crucial when being on the road. Having extensive knowledge about driving can save your life and others, so it should be taken seriously. When you see a car accident, think of who might be impacted. A person’s friends, family, and other loved ones will also have to deal with the consequences of someone’s bad decision-making. It isn’t just the people in the accident who suffer. When people truly believe they’re invincible to car accidents, they’re being ignorant. No one is invincible when a machine is involved, and anything can happen. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to realize that proper driver education can reduce the number of deaths. By being observant while driving, you make it safer for yourself and others. I don’t want me or anyone else to end up like my uncle or grandfather, so I hope that people will listen to the rules I’ve set in place for myself. I wish to make a difference in how many knowledgeable drivers we have because countless lives can be saved. We have one chance in life and one on the road, so take the time to comprehend all of what driving entails.