The Need to NOT Speed

Every driver must receive some form of driver’s education. If every driver became aware of the rules of driving, the number of deaths from driving could be reduced significantly. It is so important that when learning to drive, teens take it seriously. I know from experience, that when I turned 16 and got my permit, I just wanted to get out and go on the highway. I did not want to start in a parking lot, because I claimed it was “boring.” I am so thankful for my dad who started me out in parks and parking lots because if I had gone on the road with no driver’s education, people would have gotten hurt.

I also believe that the in-cars the DMV offers should be an opportunity taken by anyone. This gives new drivers the chance to drive with a very experienced driver, who can answer any questions they have. My in-car instructor was a retired cop, and he taught me a lot about the importance of driving safely. He told me specific stories about how people have gotten hurt by reckless mistakes, and I still think about those when drive.

Even though the rules may seem obvious, everyone still needs to receive a driver’s education. Drivers’ education teaches us every single rule we need to know about driving. It teaches us how to work a car and what all the buttons mean, how to merge, speed limit laws, drinking and driving rules, phone usage, etc. These rules might seem self- explanatory, but when they are not followed, injuries are the result. When receiving a driver’s education, the driver is not only protecting themselve, but also all the other drivers around them. There are an abundant number of cases where the individual who died was just a passing car and had not broken any driving rules. If everyone receives a driver’s education, the number of deaths would lessen significantly, because the number of reckless drivers would decrease.

Numerous steps can be taken to reduce the number of driving- related deaths, but I believe the top two are: not drinking and driving, and no phone usage while driving. Drinking and driving is one of the most discouraged actions when driving. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but now everyone else on the road is in danger too. Taking the step of not drinking and driving could save someone’s life. When you drink and drive, not only are you not aware of your surroundings, but you could also blackout at any given time. Another step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths is to stay off the phone while driving. I will admit, it can be tempting when a notification pops up, or someone calls you, but you need to fight the temptation.

I remember my aunt picking my grandma, sister, and me up to take us back to her house back when I was 7 or so. Sunset had passed, so it was completely black outside and was pouring down rain. The drive to my aunt’s house was about an hour, so she decided to call my uncle to help pass the time. My aunt became slightly distracted by the phone call, so her full attention was not directed to the road. The drive went from peaceful to eventful in a matter of seconds. A deer ran out in from of the car and because she was distracted, my aunt did not have the time to react and break the car. The car slammed into the deer and then stopped. I could hear the deer struggling to get up, and it sounded like it was caught on something. When we stepped out of the car, we saw that the deer was caught in the headlights7 of the car. Startled by us, the deer ripped itself out of the light, began dragging itself away, and left a bundle of fur stuck in the headlight. Everyone in the car was uninjured, but that was just a matter of luck. This incident could have been avoided if my aunt had followed the rules of driver education.

I have never gotten into an accident while I was the driver, but I have had a close call. The line to enter my high school takes about 5-10 minutes to get through in the morning. While I was in the line, I used to use that time to get on my phone and check all my notifications. I remember twice in the same morning, I was on my phone, and I noticed the car in front of me had moved forward, so I began to as well. I had been texting a friend, so I continued to text them because I figured I was only going 5 mph, so what was the harm? I looked up at the last minute and had to slam my breaks so hard my phone flew out of my hand. The car had stopped, and I had not even noticed, because I was so engrossed by my phone. Ever since this experience I always put my phone on silent while I drive, so I am not even tempted to pick it up. I believed if everyone took the step of staying off their phones, many lives would be saved.

I believe the biggest step I can take to become a safer driver is to slow down. I always think of the movie Top Gun, when Pete (Tom Cruise says, “I feel the need, the need for speed!” Sometimes when I drive, I catch myself abiding by this quote, which may be justified in the world of planes, but definitely not cars! I believe if I work on my speed, I can also help other speeders slow down as well. Drivers tend to follow the leader when it comes to speed, so by slowing down, I can cause a chain reaction.

Another step I can take to help others be safe is to call those I ride with out. If I see a friend going 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, I should suggest they slow down. I should also be aware if someone is too tired, emotionally drained, or maybe even drunk, so that I can offer to drive for them. Even though it may seem awkward to call out friends, it will only protect them and every other driver on the road.

The rules of driver’s education should be prioritized by every individual that gets behind the wheel. If these rules are abided, the roads will be a much safer place to be, and the number of deaths will decrease.