We can make the Change

Vehicles and transportation are such amazing pieces of technology that we have become so reliant on in our world. With that said they can also be very dangerous. A very key part of keeping us safe on our roads is driver education. I think driver’s education classes play a crucial part in keeping us safe. When we hear stories and watch videos of horrible accidents in driver’s education, it makes it a lot more real and makes us want to be good drivers. I remember sitting in drivers ed thinking I am never going to get on my phone while driving because I would never want to be the cause of someone’s death.

 

There are a lot of different ways that we can reduce deaths related to driving. Although we can’t control others, we can control ourselves and how we react in certain situations. Things like staying off our phones, not being under the influence while being behind the wheel, making sure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt, and being aware all contribute to keeping our roads safe. In addition to the items mentioned above, being alert and avoiding reckless or angry driving is very important. I believe our roads would be a lot safer if drivers are committed to focusing on driving rather than on other distractions.

 

I remember when I was a sophomore and had just obtained my license. I was so excited to have this new freedom. I was hanging out with some friends, and someone was being an irresponsible driver. One of my friends began to panic and got extremely mad at him. At the time I thought to myself “why he is getting so frustrated?” Yes, the driver was not being smart, but a simple slow down would have remedied the situation. Later that night my panicked friend and I were talking and he told me why he does not mess around with reckless drivers. It made such an impact on me and the way I drive. His older sister and her best friend were driving around and got in a fatal car accident. Her best friend unfortunately passed away and it has been really difficult for their family. This was a turning point in my life when it came to what kind of driver I wanted to be. I do not think I would be able to live with myself after something like that. We always think to ourselves “it will never happen to me”, but one glance at our phones could end a life. We are so blessed to have cars and a way to transport ourselves, but we need to be careful because one bad decision could be the end of a loved one’s life. How much regret and pain would you have if you glanced at your phone and the next second there was a fatal accident. This experience really impacted me and has made me passionate about being a safe and responsible driver and a good example to those around me.

 

I live in a small town, and it is a safe place but when accidents happen it is a big deal. Last month there were three High School students who I know well who got hit by vehicles. These accidents affected so many different people in our community. It has made us more conscientious drivers because we want to foster a safe community. It is very sad that something like that had to happen to make my school realize how serious driving is. I truly believe that my peers and everyone in my school are now safer drivers. This made a change in my community, and we are lucky because everyone involved in these accidents survived although that is not the case in all situations.

 

I personally believe that when something traumatic happens it brings us closer together and we have the ability to learn from it. As we lead through example and help each other to be smart, good drivers we will be a stronger society and we can reduce this unnecessary vehicle accidents.

 

I have had some older friends in high school who have been really great examples to me in regards to being safe drivers. Leading by example is the best way to conquer the problem. As I drive my younger siblings and their friends around, I think to myself “I have two options, I can either make sure they have their seatbelts on and stay off my phone (leaving a good impression on my sisters) or I can be a bad driver and normalize being on phones and not putting seatbelts on. We all have an impact to make and, in this case, that impact can be lifesaving.