Steering Safely: Navigating the Road to Responsible Driving

The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving is paramount. Knowledge is such a reliable key to the safety of everyone on the road. When we know the laws of the road and follow them, we are less likely to make choices that put ourselves and others in danger. Drivers’ education gives inexperienced drivers the opportunity to learn from a qualified, trained instructor, who will point out the driving rules that could possibly save individuals lives. For instance, prior to my driver’s training, I had no idea what the term “block the box” meant and how dangerous it is to have one’s vehicle in the middle of an intersection to turn left when the light changes from yellow to red. Through drivers’ education, I was taught to stay behind the designated line until it was safe to turn left. If that meant waiting for another green light, then that was a small price to pay for safety. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained from the drivers’ education I received prior to my obtaining my drivers’ license.

As my dad says often, “vehicles are one of the most dangerous weapons out there. Make wise choices when you get behind the wheel”. I appreciated his words of wisdom because he does not want his children to make a mistake that takes our lives or others while we are driving. In order for us to be wise, the first step we can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to follow the rules of the road. By doing so, we are more likely to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Next, we should display patience with other drivers. Give them a “free pass” when they cut in front of us, not use their blinkers, rudely blow their horns, or do not go immediately when the light turns green because they’re on their phone. These are a few steps we can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

Being the third of four children, I have had many experiences of witnessing irresponsibility as a passenger while my siblings learned to drive. These situations would not have occurred had they taken the direction given by the instructor, which in this case was my mother. Had they heeded her instruction, they would have not made poor choices which put us in less than favorable situations on the road. In most cases, irresponsible driving is the end result of distracted drivers. I witnessed my siblings preoccupy themselves with the radio, temperature controls, rearview mirror, watching shows on their phones, or talking with passengers. These distractions led to accidents and traffic tickets for running red lights. I have learned from their experiences to be an involved safe driver.

The first step I can take is to implement the information I learned while in drivers’ education. For instance, one instructional moment that left a huge impression upon me was when I had to watch videos of what happens to people who do not wear seatbelts and are in vehicle accidents. To this day, the first thing I do when I climb into a vehicle is put on my seatbelt. In my humble opinion, one of the wisest steps we can take to be a better and safer driver is to “buckle up buttercup”. That’s what my mother said to me every time we entered a vehicle. This is wise because I also learned that most accidents occur within a mile of people’s homes. An EMS friend of mine told me that most automobile death accidents happen because the driver or passengers were not wearing their seatbelts. Other steps are to follow the rules of the road. I can also be an alert driver by not using my phone. I can accomplish this by silencing my phone or using an app which tells people who reach out to me that I am driving and will contact them later. The best thing I can do to help others become safer on the road is to be an example to them. I can do this by being kind by not using my horn to express my frustration, be patient, and stay alert. These are a few steps I can take to be a better and safer driver and help others to do the same.