In the Driver’s Seat

Nothing has given me more freedom and independence than obtaining my driver’s license. After getting my driver’s license, I was able to drive to school, participate in extracurricular activities without needing my mom to get off work early, get a part-time job, and visit friends. Driving has changed my life in so many ways, allowing me to prove myself as a trustworthy and responsible person. However, we all know that driving also has many risks involved.

Last year, two boys in my school died in a car accident. It was tragic. They were nice kids – very well-liked and with so much potential. From the reports in the news, speed was a factor in the car accident. They were driving too fast on a winding road. All across my community, signs went up with their jersey numbers. Students painted a mural in the school. Parents were devastated and scared for their children. This accident made me think about how I drive and whether this could have happened to me. The truth is that every single time I get in a car, there is a risk of an accident.

We learn in driver’s education classes about being safe drivers. We learn not to speed, how to change lanes, and other important rules of the road. When I was a brand-new driver, I know that I was very careful. The first time I made a turn too fast, I was so scared that I started crying. Driver’s education helped me learn all the basics I needed to be a good driver, but I still lacked experience on the road. Experience has made me a more competent driver. After driving now for nearly two years, I have more confidence, but I also wonder if that confidence can lead to more accidents. The more confident I am as a driver, the less I think about all the possible dangers each time I get behind the wheel.

When I am a passenger, I can see the unsafe decisions that the drivers make. I sometimes think my mom follows people too closely and I have friends who sometimes speed. It makes me nervous when I see these things happening. I will tell my friends or family that I’m uncomfortable and they will slow down or increase the following distance. People listen when I speak up. I have never had anyone disregard my feelings in this respect. While I have never been in an accident, I know how dangerous they can be. When I’ve seen people on the side of the road after wrecking their cars, I’m always worried about whether they are injured or the damage to their cars. It’s very scary to see an accident on the road with the police and ambulances on the scene. While I’ve never experienced this for myself, I can empathize.

I think the most important thing drivers need to do is focus on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous and likely a leading cause of accidents. Looking at cell phones, GPS, and changing radio stations are main things that cause distractions. Driving with friends in the car is also distracting. Drivers need to be focused on the road, not just because of how they are driving, but also to protect from other drivers.

Another leading cause of accidents is driving impaired. Some teenagers (and adults) will drive after drinking or taking drugs. By doing this, the driver is not able to think clearly, respond quickly, or make good decisions. Driving while extremely tired is also a serious problem. Teenagers who don’t get enough sleep can be at risk for falling asleep while driving. All of these factors are important and should be addressed through driver’s education.

Having witnessed members of my community who have died in terrible car accidents, I am very aware of the dangers on the road. Driver’s education is key, but it needs to be continuous, not just for brand new drivers. Driver’s education is incredibly important for all drivers, both new and experienced. New drivers need to learn the basic skills to be good drivers, but the experienced drivers also need a refresher. Overconfidence can lead to accidents. We forget very quickly how dangerous driving can be as we become more comfortable behind the wheel.

Getting my driver’s license has given me a freedom and independence I never had before. It enables me to do more in my community and work outside of school. It gives me opportunities I would not otherwise have in life. However, I can never forget how dangerous driving is, and the lessons I learned through driver’s education.