Seconds

Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to accidents which can be prevented. Many teenagers, like me, struggle with the concept of getting on the road. Fear of accidents, pressure to be better, and lack of experience makes it harder to feel safe behind the wheel. Driver education isn’t only important, it’s essential for saving lives, learning the skills to be a safer and better driver, and helping teenagers feel confident on the road.

I remember the first time I got behind the wheel, and how I was completely unprepared. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to start in a parking lot. I now see how dangerous it could’ve been if I was on the real road. I didn’t know how to stay calm, or which was the gas pedal or brake pedal, I didn’t even check the mirrors. It felt terrifying, regardless of the fact I was only in a parking lot and had the help. It made me realize how dangerous driving can be when you aren’t educated and mentally prepared. I used to be terrified to get on the road, but as I became more educated I also became more confident.

Driver education is one of the most effective ways of reducing the number of deaths, especially amongst teenagers. Seconds is all it takes for an accident to happen, one short look away from the road and your life can be over. Driver education teaches teenagers the importance of staying focused on the road, and that alone can change so much. When teenagers are properly taught on how to react, what to focus on, and what not to do, it is likely that they are more calm and alert in pressured situations. Education gives drivers the tools to be mentally prepared for what’s on the road, even when everything else is moving quickly, it helps them slow down. Without education, those few seconds of hesitation or distraction can cost someone’s life, or their own.

In my own eyes, I’ve watched family members text while driving, go over the speed limit, and even drive when angry. Each time I noticed how quickly things could go wrong, and I never forgot the risk of those little things. I am now learning to drive, and I don’t want to make those same mistakes. I always make sure to wear my seatbelt, put my phone away, and try to relax. I know that staying focused and mindful can make a difference between driving safely and dangerously. In all honesty, I’ve heard of teenagers getting in horrific accidents. I am choosing to make sure the same doesn’t happen to me or anyone close to me. I can drive good, but not as well as I want. Therefore I am making the choice to drive more, and learn more so I can ensure my safety, and anyone else on the road.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, especially with teenagers. Improving the access of getting proper driver education that can improve one’s knowledge on a vehicle, and build emotional skills is important. To improve access, schools and communities can promote awareness campaigns about how dangerous it is to text, speed, and drive under the influence. Another way of promoting awareness is a simple reminder from a poster. Even the little things can impact the choices teenagers’ make. Parents play a huge role in the education that teenagers get, they are in charge of modeling good driver behavior. Saving lives means normalizing safe driving habits, and taking it seriously when on the road. Being aware is another huge thing to remember when driving on the road, and knowing the signs and what they mean.

In the end, every choice we make on the road matters; because driving isn’t just a game, or how to get somewhere, it’s about staying alive while getting from point A to point B. Driver education gives teenagers a chance to learn and drive safely, without having the fear of dying. It helps us teenagers understand that even one second can change everything, and that safety is important. Driver education also helps teenagers understand how to be safe, and what to do in certain situations. I will keep learning, and improving to create a safer future for myself and everyone else who’s behind the wheel. One mistake for one second, can impact a lot. With the knowledge that driving schools can teach, it builds a safer road. What will your choice be?