Drive Safely: Everyone is Counting on You

I remember sitting through driver education at the very end of summer break, and thinking that people couldn’t possibly be that dangerous on the road. Then, I started paying attention when my parents drove. I realized my dad was speeding on a regular basis, and my mom would sometimes make unsafe maneuvers. I started noticing my friends telling horror stories about them skidding on ice, being rear-ended, and even getting into crashes. Often, the friends who had these accidents were remorseful about how they ignored their driver education classes.

One of the most critical concerns world-wide is road safety. There are millions of lives lost every year to road or traffic-related accidents. Driver education programs can help drivers in all communities by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that lead to safer conditions on the road. Interest groups like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) understand the importance of education in making the world, and the roads, a safer place for all. Not only do these groups educate drivers, but they also tell their heartbreaking stories to help show people the stakes of their actions. I have heard stories like these and I realize that when I drive, I am in control of a large vehicle that can do severe damage.

This is why I have always tried to drive carefully and eliminate distractions, but I have still had my fair share of close calls. I have been cut off at the last minute, and been confused by people putting their blinkers on too early or late. A couple of months ago, I was driving in a rainstorm on a road lined with telephone poles. I was very focused on the road up ahead, and I wasn’t as focused on where the puddles were. I started hydroplaning, but I remembered my driver education training, and I took my foot off the brake pedal as I maneuvered safely away from the puddle and the telephone pole on the other side of it. What could have been a fatal accident was a minor scare because I was educated on what to do. I also gained compassion for other drivers during my week of instruction because we watched videos about how to be safe on the roads with trucks and motorcycles. I make sure to leave a safe turning distance for trucks whenever I am at a red light, and I am extra cognizant of motorcycle drivers on the road. Once I knew the fundamentals, it was easy to understand and control my car, whom I have named REGY or “Reggie”.

REGY stands for Responsibility, Empathy, General (alertness) and You (are in control). I always try to remember these four things when I am driving. I am responsible for my actions, so I make sure to stay up to date on the traffic laws in whatever state I am driving in. My driving reflects on who I am, and I want to be seen as a good person and good driver. Empathy is also important to me because I remember stopping at a stop sign for too long or missing a window to take a left and getting honked at. I understand that I am on the road with other new drivers, so I try to practice compassion for others’ mistakes. I also make sure that I am aware of other vehicles, road conditions, my surroundings, and generally anything that could impact my driving. Finally, I make sure to keep in mind that my car is inspected, so I am all set to drive safely as long as I make that conscious choice.

As a new driver, I know I still have a lot to learn, but sometimes I am shocked at how much other drivers don’t know. For example, on my way to school every morning, there is a four-way stop, and often people get confused about who has the right of way. Sometimes a whole line of cars will go from one stop sign, other times, people will try to let me go when they go there before me. It is even worse at intersections where only one street has stop signs, people seem to forget the right of way very easily. This can be catastrophic if people are not on the same page. The traffic laws only keep us safe if we follow them.

Personally, I always try to be vigilant when driving. I know the importance of keeping my eyes up and focused on the road and my surroundings. I do my small part to prevent big accidents, so no one gets hurt, or even killed. I also talk to my friends and family about different intersections in my town and make sure they know the traffic laws regarding those areas. I think it is also important that driver education students talk about what they learned with their parents. I told my mother what I was learning in driver education, and she was surprised by some of the information I was telling her. After 30 years, sometimes it can be hard to remember what you learned when you were 17, but it is important that we keep an open dialogue, so we can all remember the importance of safety.