Responsible Driving is Safe Driving

It is commonly
known that teenagers are still learning how to grow independent of
their parents in a way where they are ready to take on the world.
This independence can manifest by getting their first job, starting
to do their own laundry, and most importantly; driving. Having the
privilege to drive to a party, a football game, or even to a gas
station is the dream for many teenagers. Although this may seem like
a dream, in reality, it can become a nightmare. Young drivers often
take to the road without knowing the true dangers that lurk there.
From driving intoxicated to reckless and distracted driving, many
dangers can easily tempt uneducated and inexperienced drivers.

I had
the privilege of getting my driver’s license as a 16 year old. In
order to do this I had to go through many hours of drivers ed.
While I was taking this course I constantly would become annoyed with
the repetition of how important it is to buckle up every time you get
in a vehicle. I complained about the extra two hours on the dangers
of intoxicated driving and hearing the stories of those less
fortunate. Not only was I taught how to drive, but how to drive in
the safest way possible. Looking back on those lessons, I understand
that it is only important but necessary for young drivers to be
reminded of the temptations that will constantly call to them while
driving. Deaths as a result of driving whether it is intoxicated
driving, distracted driving, or reckless driving are always tragic.
And the truth behind it is that most of those deaths are the deaths
of young drivers. Without becoming properly educated it is easy to
pick up the phone while driving or to surpass the speed limit.
Drivers ed is an important tool in reducing the deaths on the
road because it teaches young drivers to avoid dangerous habits while
driving.

Once as a
kid, my cousin Sara got into a fatal car accident. She was only 18.
Her death devastated my entire family. I can’t help but think about
the cause of her car accident, but I know that it was late and that
she had her friends with her. While it might not have been her fault,
reckless driving is what caused her accident.

The steps I
can take to be a better driver would be to put away the distractions.
I would stop answering the phone while driving and stop trying to
adjust settings on my car. Also I would encourage my friends and
family to drive safer. From stopping distractions to encouraging safe
driving. Instead of aggressive and defensive driving, it is better to
be safe than sorry. Safety in the car comes before everything else
and that is how lives are saved while on the road.