Drive to Stay Alive

Why do students go to school? No, this isn’t a “Why did the chicken cross the road” kind of joke, in fact, it’s not even a joke, it is a very serious question. The answer to this question is to learn and to use what they have learned to be a good citizen. Driving is a leading cause in death all over the world. However, perhaps death tolls can be lowered by the effort of schools implementing driver education classes. I believe strongly in this due to the classes I took, my experience in regard to accidents, and how I try to be, and continue to try to be a smart driver.

When I was a sophomore, I had to take a driver education class through my school. To be completely honest, I didn’t want to do it. In fact, I thought it was stupid, especially since I turned 16 before the class had started. However, in retrospect, I see now why that class was so important. There are so many different and important lessons that one can learn in that class, lessons that save lives. I learned so many rules regarding the road that even my parents didn’t know. I learned how to drive safely with my driving teacher as well. It felt like a large waste of time at first, but I really do know the dangers of driving, and that’s so important especially because of how common accidents are.

A car accident can happen from almost anything: rain, snow, drunk drivers, not paying attention to the road, etc. I make sure that I always drive slower in the winter, especially because where I live, the weather is not ever ideal. My uncle also plows some of the roads near me. One of these roads is called Pleasant Hill. However, ignore the name, because that road is anything but pleasant. There have been many accidents on that road and quite a few deaths, that’s because that road is of lower importance, so the plower, my uncle, doesn’t plow it until the more important roads are plowed. So he usually doesn’t plow that road until the next morning after a storm. So, when it’s bad outside, I don’t take that road. I also try to help my friends by telling them not to use that road, however, I told one of my best friends that the other day, and then later received a “I should have listened to you” message. She had totaled her car, hurt her hand, and received a concussion. She was also going about 50 miles per hour, which is slow for her, but that road’s speed limit is 35. Even though she didn’t listen, the important thing is that she learned and will be safer in the future.

I have always considered myself to be a safe driver. I’ve driven at least 40 minutes a day since I got my permit. So, after two years of driving, I’m a lot more experienced than other students my age. My family has always lived by the quote “drive to stay alive.” My parents tell me all the time to drive like everyone else on the road is an idiot. It seems like a bit much to call someone an idiot, but one of my friend’s dad was in an accident before Christmas where the other person died. However, she was on several drugs including cocaine. You never know who is in the car in front, or behind you. Because of this, I never use my horn when I’m driving. I’ve seen too many videos of people getting upset after a horn is blown at them, causing a much worse accident. I genuinely learned a lot from being in a driving class; I know what to do when I hydroplane, I am confident to drive in bad weather, and I always, always, always, wear my seatbelt. I also make sure that everyone who gets into my car has a seatbelt on. That’s something I think everyone should implement.

In conclusion, driving is a very dangerous endeavor. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and everywhere. To be a smart driver is to be a vigilant and safe one. Drivers education classes are seriously important in helping students learn important driving skills and helping them gain comfortability before they hit the road. This is shown through the classes I took, my experience with accidents, and how I try to be a smart driver. Although sometimes accidents may not be able to be avoided, some are. So drive safe, and drive smart.