Driving: an exciting, but terrifying skill

When I was young, driving confused me. I always asked myself: “what could be so hard about driving? Just stay in the lanes, watch the lights, and don’t hit anybody. Simple right? Well… not really. Believe it or not, driving is much more complicated than that. An average of 34,000 people die each year in driving related accidents: that’s more than the number of Americans who died from the Vietnam war. Yeah, driving can be fun and full of freedom, but it can also be deadly.

At 17 years old, I walked into my first ever Driver’s Ed class. I remember thinking to myself: is this really necessary? Isn’t driving just common sense? And boy… I was wrong. As I listened to countless driver education videos, read through notes, and listened to my teacher as I drove, I realized that I barely knew anything. My point isn’t to be shocked when Drivers Ed turns out to be a challenge, but rather, to draw importance to it. Drivers Ed can help minimize the number of deaths relating to driving, as it ensures that drivers have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle. In doing so, simple and common, yet hazardous mistakes can be avoided that would normally lead to injury or even death. Furthermore, learning drivers can develop good driving habits right from the start, which can make the road a safer place not just for themselves, but for other drivers as well.

Now, as mentioned above, Drivers Ed can greatly reduce the number of deaths related to driving. But, what else? First: infrastructure and road conditions. By designing roads with clear visibility, good spaced lanes, and clear road and sign markings can greatly increase the safety on the road. Second: the use of vehicle technology. Vehicle safety technology such as air bags, seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems can help reduce danger on the road. Even though some of them can help in the event of an emergency, it’s always better to rely on yourself. And finally, third: the enforcement of traffic laws. By enforcing traffic laws, driver misconduct can be limited. Whether it’s something as serious as driving while under the influence or something small like going 5 over the speed limit, regulations on driving hold drivers accountable. All of these reasons combined help to reduce the number of deaths in relation to driving, and help to make driving more safe for drivers.

With that being said, Ive most definitely experienced some crazy moments while on the road. For instance, how a backing car crashed into the side of my moms car when we were driving through the parking lot of a Hannaford, or when a car sped out into a turning lane and slammed into the side of my dads car. Surprisingly for both of these, I was young and sitting in the backseat, so the crash was actually pretty close to me in proximity. It was scary seeing how easily a sturdy car was able to be crushed with such ease under the pressure and force of another car, especially for the crash with my mom. Both cars were moving at a pretty slow pace, and the whole side of her car was completely destroyed to the point where the back door couldn’t be opened at all. I think because of these experiences, I’ve always been more cautious on the road in comparison to my friends. I’ve noticed that they seem to have no problem calling friends or blasting music while on the road, which can be distracting and can lead to accidents and crashes. Even though they started driving a lot earlier than I have and are probably more comfortable operating a vehicle, I firmly believe that no one should not be engaging in distracting activities while driving, no matter how long you’ve been on the road. Looking away from the road for simply a second can cause a crash. For instance, if I had been sitting on the other side of either of my parents’ cars in either crash, I probably would have been injured or killed.

So, how do we prevent this? Well, it’s always good to strive to be a better driver, no matter if you’re new or experienced. The first one is a bit obvious, but follows traffic laws. These rules are put in place for a reason: to regulate the flow of traffic and to prevent crashes or collisions from happening. Also, make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, including keeping an eye out for other drivers’ behaviors. Whenever you’re behind the wheel, make sure you’re not under the influence of drugs and alcohol, too tired, or impaired in any way, as it can put your own and others lives in danger; and yes, that includes distractions such as friends being in the car with you, adjusting the music system, and your cell phone. In addition to this, make sure your vehicle is functioning properly. It’s better to find out your brakes don’t work in the mechanical shop than on the highway, even if it costs you a few extra bucks. And obviously the most important one of them all: pay attention in Drivers Ed. With this in mind, we can all make the roads a safer place for everyone.