Driving is More than Putting Two Hands on a Steering Wheel

Elijah Vasquez

Driving is More than Putting Two Hands on a Steering Wheel

It’s one thing to experience something in life, but it’s an entirely different thing to learn about it. This is the case with driving: even though most of us have been taught how to drive (usually before we even get our license), some of us are not even informed by our parents about how much of a responsibility driving can be. It’s crucial that people all over the world should receive a drivers ed, because it ensures that people driving are fitted with the proper knowledge on how to drive safely, and it gives them a more mature perspective on driving.

After being taught the proper way to drive and about traffic laws, one of the most important steps in reducing the number of automobile accidents is by informing new drivers about the importance of driving distraction-free. Although it’s tempting to simply chastise new drivers and warn them of the harsh consequences they may face for driving recklessly, this is not an approach that is entirely effective. Drivers should be properly informed about the dangers of driving while distracted, and they should be made to understand through a one-on-one conversation with an adult (or more experienced driver) about how big of a responsibility driving is. It can be life or death, not only for you, but for the people around you as well.

For my cousin, it meant death. He was the victim of an automobile accident when two cars had crashed into his car while street racing. Everyone in my family was deeply affected by his death, but in turn, it gave our younger relatives a fitting example of why speeding and reckless driving is a terrible idea; you could kill someone. This is something that should be explained to drivers even after they’ve received their education, because although we feel like we’re in control while driving, there are other drivers on the road who may not be so diligent in following the rules.

Overall, there are things we can do to make sure that we’re safe while on the road. Besides driving while distracted or intoxicated, something else that should be avoided is driving while we’re tired. While we’re drifting off into sleep, the car we’re driving could be drifting into an opposite lane, or even worse, a sidewalk with pedestrians. In addition, it’s important that we quickly assess our physical and mental wellbeing as well before driving, because it may affect us negatively. For example, allowing our anger to overtake us while driving could influence us to become more reckless, and could lead to road rage. Ultimately, in order for drivers to become safer while on the road, they must realize that they are not only responsible for their lives while driving, but for the lives of others as well.