A Change in the System

The importance of having a good driving education is crucial to keeping the roads safe. Without knowledge of traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrians, and road rules, it would be hard to keep the roads safe. The knowledge of having a good driving education allows people to be safe and to understand why the rules are kept in place. Rules can be restrictive, but they’re going to keep people safe.

The first step that I would take begins before you even begin driving, and it is changing the guidelines for getting a permit. When someone is preparing to get their permit, they need to know the rules required when it comes to driving. The number of questions required to be taken and passed should be increased to allow those taking the test to have to study and have those rules engraved in their minds. It will be tedious, but driving without having a good knowledge of the rules can quickly turn driving into a life-threatening situation. This will ensure that those who are driving on the roads are those who have taken the time to study and learn the rules of driving. Another step that can be taken is when people are going to get their driver’s license. I had taken the test and realized how easy it was to pass the test. We went through a few driving and parking drills and once I performed them for the instructor, I passed. I think that the test is too easy, and the bar is set too low, especially considering that it will be teenagers who will be driving on the roads. Some teenagers understand and know how to drive, but some only want to get their license and start driving because they can. There will be many teenagers who won’t be able to get their license right away, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Next, enforce the rules that those under 18 must follow, such as not driving anyone other than immediate family members. There are many people that I know who start driving with their friends once they get their license and while it can be fun, it is also dangerous. You are adding a distraction with each person you drive and not allowing yourself to have your focus fully on the road. Enforcing this rule will not make a lot of those under 18 happy, but it will keep the roads safer. The final step that I would enforce is having a trusted adult or guardian keep their new drivers in check. Let your driver understand that driving is a privilege that has to be earned through hard work and diligence in understanding all of the rules when it comes to driving. There are a lot of guardians who allow their drivers to enjoy the life of driving in the wrong way. They are often uninvolved with keeping their drivers in check, making sure that they are driving safely, and following the rules.

I had been irresponsible with driving after a couple of months of driving after snow was piling up and I wanted to go to the library with my sister. The snow had heated up a bit and it soon turned into slush. It was my first time driving in these conditions and I was certain that I could make it out of this alive and unharmed. Me and my sister both made it alive and unharmed, but because of the slush I almost crashed into somebody. My brakes were hard to control, and I almost did not stop in time to not hit the car in front of me. Another time when I drove irresponsibly was when I was driving down a hill and I skidded on the road and almost crashed into a car. The road was slippery, and I thought that it had all melted away and I could go on with my regular driving. I was wrong and turned too quickly and started skidding on the road. I was lucky enough that it was at night and the roads were empty, but as soon as I heard my car signal that I was losing control of it, I knew that I had driven irresponsibly.

Some steps that I can do to be safer on the road are always being alert, knowing my limitations when it comes to driving, and encouraging others to follow the rules. I can be alert by making sure that I have a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep and not being distracted by things in the background. I can understand my limitations by paying attention to what speeds I’m more comfortable in and time of the days that I feel like I won’t be distracted from my surroundings. I can encourage others to follow the rules by giving them slight reminders of safe driving and not being a distraction to them.