Driving Blind

Driving
Blind

In a world
full of distractions, it is easy to find one’s mind drifting at every
twist and turn. Where once, multitasking was a trait shared between
some, it has now become a common characteristic among Americans.
There is no question that the innovations we have acquired provide
major advantages and, quite frankly, we would be lost without them.
However, when we find ourselves oversimplifying the use of some of
this technology, that is where the problem lies. When it comes to
operating a vehicle…that is when people die.

Many
individuals do not understand the great responsibility they have on
the road, that is why it is critical to participate in a driver’s
education course. Anyone can learn by themselves how to step on the
pedal and turn the wheel, but an actual course instills the principal
that one not only drives for themself, but others around them as
well. I myself have never been in an accident, however, I am no
stranger to unsafe driving practices. More often than not, I find
myself an audience to someone’s eyes lingering on their phone screen
while they drift in the lane. I do not believe individuals actively
try to put themselves in harm’s way by submitting to the distractions
around them, especially portable devices. On the contrary, I feel as
though doing other tasks while driving has become habitual for most
individuals, and that is what scares me. In order to reduce the
number of deaths while driving, we all must first make the choice to
drive fully. This means that while commuting from one location to
another, there should be absolutely no reason one’s hands must stay
off the wheel or one’s eyes must stay off the road. I vow to do this
as I continue my journey as a driver, and I also vow to encourage
those around me to do so as well. In addition, we must all expel the
mindset that cars are just vesicles to get from one place to the
next. Every time one steps into the driver’s seat, they are taking on
a responsibility to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Civilian cars were never meant to be weapons, but every time one
practices unsafe driving, they are turning these vehicles into them.

I do not
believe, in order to be on the road, one must be a great driver,
however, I do believe they must be a good driver. A good driver is
someone who is informed on the safe way to manage the roads,
constantly adhering to these safe practices, and devotes their full
attention when managing a vehicle. I may not be a great driver, but
every time I step into a vehicle and put a key in the ignition, I can
assure you, I am a good one.