Driving Is a Privilege

Driving is a privilege, not a right guaranteed to all. I reckon sometimes we forget just how lucky we are to have this and neglect the dangers of it as well. Every time you get into a car, you are entrusting your life and safety to the driver, and we seem to overlook just how potent these vehicles may be. And while we may not know just how careful those around us are being on the road, we must individually do our part in ensuring that we are not a hazard to others. Precautions, such as focusing on the road and driving sober, must be taken to secure the lives of many.

Being educated on the road is one of the most critical factors in keeping those around you safe. Whether it be through courses online or in-person, Drivers-Ed prepares future drivers for the real-life applications of driving. Learning the logistics before hitting the gas pedal gives students the fundamentals to ensure that they are obeying the law and staying as safe as possible at all times. The mastery of these ideas can make any mediocre skill-based driver excellent. Once the basics are out of the way, then the student can fully begin to learn with an instructor. Over the summer this year, I passed my permit test through an online course that presented me with hours with an instructor. I recognized that I couldn’t be more educated on the topic, but the concept of driving down a bustling road with flashing lights and blaring honks terrified me. When it came to driving in my neighborhood or down a tranquil street, I was fine, but I had severe anxiety when it came to driving essentially anywhere else. My mom had to pester me for months to give those short classes I was provided a chance, and I’m so grateful she did. My instructor built my driving confidence and taught me practically everything I needed to know to become a safer driver. Instructors prepare and refine drivers by teaching them to be as safe as possible while giving potentially life-saving advice which seriously helped me understand the responsibilities I have as a driver.

Fortunately, I have never been in a car accident myself, but still, my family and instructor took the time to drill it into me that driving distracted is one of the most destructive things you could do. Whether it be an emergency text your mother sent or just a quick message from your friend, it is never actually worth the risk to text and drive. Those seconds your eyes are off the road scanning for a flashing message are seconds where you are completely oblivious to everything around you, like the car that just cut you off or the fact that you are swerving into another lane. Driving distracted isn’t only texting and driving however, it is also driving drunk or even tired. Driving under the influence completely hinders your capacity to process your surroundings and react swiftly, and overall is one of the most heedless actions you can take, killing thousands every year. While it may seem trivial, driving drowsy is also just as dangerous as driving drunk. You may believe that you aren’t that sleepy, but like studying when tired you’ll eventually end up nodding off, with the only variance being that you’ll do it in the middle of an intersection, not on your math notes. Saving lives can be as simple as turning your phone on do not disturb while in the car or realizing when you’re not in the right state of mind to be driving. Calling a friend to pick you up when you’re tired, or ubering home from the party instead of driving are judgment calls we must all learn to make in the heat of the moment that can make the road a safer place for all. If you are not willing to put your dignity second to the lives of others, you are simply not worthy of driving.

Although driving may seem like such a natural action to all of us, we must always remember the weight of our actions on the road. The path to becoming a safer and better driver is simple and should be something all strive to do. Whether it be learning the ins and outs of the road from an instructor or turning off your phone before leaving the house, so many precautions can be taken to protect those on the road as a driver. Driving is a privilege, and we must treat it as such.