Be That Reminder

Be That Reminder

Imagine
it’s your sixteenth birthday and one thing is on your mind: getting
your license. After passing the test and taking your picture, you
walk out with a big smile on your face. You realize that at this very
moment you are holding your ticket to freedom. This “ticket” will
bring many adventures and memories. However, one cannot forget that
with this freedom comes great responsibility. Yet, does a teenager
really realize the full impact of getting their license? In my
experience, teenagers are not thinking of the responsibility, but
rather thinking about driving around town singing along to blaring
music with their best friends.

Driver
education is an important step in instilling responsibility when
driving within young drivers. Teens are taught the rules of the road
and how to react to certain situations they may experience. One
lesson that stands out in my own drivers ed class was watching
the videos of horrific crashes. I saw what reckless driving looked
like and how one single glance away from the wheel could cause a
lifetime of pain. Although these videos may be hard to watch, I think
it is an important step to reduce the deaths related to driving. We
must see these things more than once and really take time to reflect
on them. When we are able to reflect and internalize what we watched,
the lesson becomes even more powerful.

Drivers ed
advises new drivers, but isn´t the only advisor. Parents can have a
major role in the development of their teen´s driving. As humans,
it’s in our nature to copy what we see. Therefore, when growing up,
if you see your parents not abiding the rules of the road, such as
texting or running stop signs, you are more likely to develop similar
behaviors. One change that our society should make is to have drivers
complete driving tests every few years. This change could drastically
decrease the number of reckless driving incidents because people
would be more familiar with the rules of the road and would know
exactly what is expected of them while driving.

I am lucky
that I have never been in a car accident. However, I have both
friends and family who have experienced accidents because of reckless
driving. In our society, everyone is constantly in a hurry. People
have so many things going on that when they get in the car they try
to multitask or just put themselves on “autopilot”. These choices
lead to reckless driving. When I am in the car with friends or
family, I try to be a reminder to make safe choices. If they pick up
their phone, I take it and don’t give it back. Be that reminder. Next
time you get in your car, think of everything you love. Now, put your
phone away, turn down the music, and focus on the most important
thing: getting to your destination safely.