Road Reality

Alexandria York

30 November 2020

Road Reality

The day I assumed responsibility of driving on my own overwhelmed me. I remember the first time I left home by myself and felt the trembling in my knees because I had finally earned the right to be in the car alone. I had been driving with an adult for the last year but now all responsibility fell on me. Was I going to do the right thing? Would I make a small mistake that could impact my life or the life of another? I was terrified, but I knew I had gained the tools to do exactly what I had been taught to do. Learning the responsibilities of driving and having the time to drive with an adult had prepared me for this independent step, I was ready.

I feel that driver’s education plays an integral part in educating individuals to drive safely and responsibly. These classes assist in preparing individuals of driving independently by teaching them how to maneuver and safely handle a powerful tool. The classes are responsible for preparing individuals to drive at safe speeds, avoid distractions, staying aware, and to know when is not appropriate to drive. Some of the things taught in the classes teach you basic information such as traffic signs, vehicle equipment, basic safety, and maintenance. The driving instruction gives you the reality of how the vehicle may handle and awareness of changing lanes and road merges.

The thing that impacted me the most about the classroom education was the distraction that can occur when driving. These distractions can occur in a split second and can impact the individuals affected forever. Continued education of the distractions of texting, talking on the phone or just reaching for the radio can reduce the number of deaths related to driving. I feel that inactivating the cell phone use when the car is in motion could reduce the fatalities associated with the most recent increase in deaths associated with driving. It is also important to have stricter laws about driving under the influence, road rage, and speeding.

I have only been in one accident since I obtained my license, and it was in my driveway. I was running late, and I jumped in my car, cranked it up put in reverse and rammed right into the vehicle behind me. It took a split second for me to realize what happened and I was devastated about my car but was so fortunate no one else was involved in the accident. The car was damaged, but I was safe. I realized then why it is so important that you must be in a safe state of mind to drive such a heavy piece of machinery. If I had slowed down and made myself aware of my surroundings, I could have prevented this accident. This is good example of how just the distraction of time can be dangerous to a driver, even in your own driveway.

Today I have been driving for about seventeen months independently and have become more confident in my driving. I feel that in order to continue to be safe I must limit my distractions while driving. These distractions include avoiding any response to my cell phone, being aware of my speed, and choosing safe times to adjust my radio. I would also recommend leaving early for my destination, being aware of my traffic path and any delays that may occur that would impact my course.

I do feel that driving is a big responsibility and that one can make a very fatal and careless mistake in seconds. I feel that driver’s education prepared me for the everyday responsibility and that it should be required of all new drivers. I felt better equipped and knowledgeable of the consequences that the responsibility of driving can have on a person’s life.