A Privilege Not to Be Taken Lightly

A Privilege Not to Be Taken Lightly

-Jason
Kocsis

Driver’s
education is something people start with when venturing into the
driving world. During my driver’s classes, I noticed many teens
not taking the courses seriously. They searched social media sites on
their phones while the teacher was talking. These teens were just
there to get their credit. This was upsetting to me because I knew
these were the people I would be sharing the road with along with my
family and friends. I wasn’t sure if they were hearing all of the
important information that would keep everyone safe. Learning how to
drive is imperative before sitting behind the wheel of a dangerous
machine. Instructors need to collect all phones at the start of
class. Instructors need to be aware of the students’ attention.
Drivers ed classes are the only time anyone really goes
through the laws and procedures.

Driving
is a great convenience but one that has its dangers. To reduce the
dangers of driving and number of deaths related to driving, all laws
must be strictly enforced. Speed limits must be followed, no cell
phones while driving and no drinking and driving! I believe more
advertising needs to be done to emphasize this. My high school
displays a smashed car from drinking in our parking lot and it really
hits home with many kids. Commercials and ads on social media are
another way to show the impact of poor choices when driving. We are a
visual generation. Show the dangers and show the right way to do
things. Show, Show, Show until it is cemented in the minds of young
and old.

I’ve
seen reckless driving first hand. I witnessed a group of 14 year old,
non-licensed drivers from my school, driving around my neighborhood.
They were posting to social media while driving over curbs. I knew
they were putting themselves in danger along with kids riding their
bikes nearby. I had my mom call the police. I also know the story of
18 of my mom’s former classmates who piled into a car. All 18 of
them stacked on each other’s laps. The driver lost control due to
the weight of the car and smashed into a tree. Everyone flew out the
closed windows. One landed on a fire hydrant and died. Everyone had
major injuries and four died as a result. My mom reminds me of this
story often and I still share it with my friends.

I
use the knowledge I have from all of what has been taught to me or
shared with me to keep friends and family safe. I am the voice of
reason when friends want to bend the rules “just this once”.
Sometimes that makes me the bubble-buster or the boring one but I am
happy with my choice to keep everyone as safe as I can. Driving is a
privilege and it is important to drive safely so the privilege can be
enjoyed for a long time.