Being Conscious Behind the Wheel

Ever since Carl Benz’s invention of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model no. 1, was introduced to the public in 1886, the ability to travel by motor vehicle rather than on foot has drastically transformed the world and our everyday lives. The luxury of driving has opened doors for countless opportunities, practicality, and flexibility. A powerful tool for getting from one place to another, driving is so heavily relied on in society that life would not be the same without it. While driving has become a ordinary, everyday skill, having a driver’s license is a privilege that should not be taken lightly and without much consideration.

Living in the United States, many young teens jump at the opportunity to get their permit and be able to drive as soon as they turn 16. I remember the day I turned 16, I told my parents that I could not wait to start doing driver’s education online and get my permit. My desire to get on the road as soon as possible, be able to drive my friends around, and not have to wait for someone to drive me was evident in my eagerness to start my driver education; however, my father quickly cautioned me about the reality of driving: when sitting in the driver’s seat, you are not only responsible for your own life, but for the lives of countless others. When I obtained our permit and began taking lessons, my father never failed to remind me to be weary when driving, to check my mirrors and blind spots, and to always be aware of my surroundings.

As more and more of my peers got their license, I realized how many teens my age were extremely laidback about driving. Not to say that they were bad drivers necessarily, but as I listened to the stories of my classmates bragging about going way over the speed limit and driving carelessly in general, I was taken aback and concerned over how many did not seem to take driving education seriously. Even some of my closest friends admitted to driving lazy and recklessly, justifying their irresponsible driving behavior by saying that was how everyone drove. It was not until an accident involving a student hydroplanning and crashing into train tracks nearby our school after driving in the rain that my friends and I became insistent on consciously practicing responsible driving and encouraging others to do the same. Despite teen drivers having the highest risk of being involved in car accidents, it was alarming knowing that someone I was friends with and regularly interacted with could have died but was luckily not injured during the accident. After having my driver’s license and finding myself in several dangerous situations due to others or even my own reckless driving, I make an effort to follow the rules on the road everytime I am in the drivers seat and be aware of those around me. When I make mistakes or find myself being in a position not responsible to drive safely, I acknowledge and learn from them. Even to this day, my friends and I still bring up the incident and how it has reminded us to be cautious when driving both in the rain and on the road.

Car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. Driver education helps to ensure the safety of every single person behind the wheel as well as pedestrians and animals nearby. While the rules of driving may seem straightforward, it is important to acknowledge the responsibility of being a licensed driver and driving with the consideration of others. Even though you may not be able to control how others drive, making a conscious decision to practice safe and responsible driving when in the drivers seat will help reduce the growing number of deaths that result from irresponsibly driving every year. Being aware of your surroundings and being present in the passenger seat ready to be a helping hand to your driver can also increase your chances of safely arriving at your destination. In addition, advising others to not drive recklessly and talking about responsibly following driver education with friends and family plays a significant role in the protection of our people.

Driver education saves lives. Being an safe driver means following the rules and reminding others to do the same. It is especially important to emphasize the significance of driving safely to teens and ensure they understand the potential danger they are putting not only themselves but others in when they are just beginning to drive. As young teens get to experience their first taste of independence, they must not forget the immense responsibility and priviledge that comes with having their driver’s license. Just like any other skill, driving is something that needs to be practiced consistently. You do not have to be the best or the most perfect driver to have the privilege to drive, you just have to make an conscious decision to practice safe driving.