Drive
for Your Life

We
have all heard the stories about that one brief text, the forgotten
click of a seatbelt, or the drunk that decided they could drive.
These horror stories and basic driving rules have been ingrained in
us since we were children. But somehow, an average of 34,000 people
still die from driving each year. It is crucial that we follow
certain steps to become a responsible driver. This will help create
safe roadways and protect our life, and the lives of others.

First,
it all starts with the importance of drivers ed. Today, 32
states require teenagers to take drivers ed before they can
earn their license. This class is very beneficial because it prepares
new drivers for almost all situations they could encounter behind the
wheel. It covers your state’s road laws, how to handle bad weather
conditions, and the common driving mistakes to avoid. Signaling
before changing lanes and avoiding anything distracting in the car
are very basic ways to prevent so many accidents. These things are
all taught in drivers ed and that is why it is such a vital
class.

To
further reduce driving-related deaths, there are some important steps
you have to take. The first step is putting on a seatbelt as soon as
you are in the car. While statistics vary, it is said that at least
50% of driving-related deaths could have been prevented if the driver
would have worn their seatbelt. The second is to always keep your
eyes on the road. This means you should never check your phone or
look down to adjust your seat or the radio. Finally, communicate with
other drivers and make them aware of your intentions. You can do this
by signaling, quickly tapping your brakes before stopping, and making
eye contact with drivers at 4-way stops.

When
I was fourteen years old I was in a minor car crash where no one was
hurt, but this was the result of irresponsible driving. The driver
was slightly intoxicated which led to slower response time. They were
making a left turn across multiple lanes and did not check their left
side a second time. This resulted in a T-collision with an oncoming
car. This experience has made me very aware to never drive
intoxicated and to always double-check if the road is clear to go.

As
a driver, I will always follow the speed limit and steps I have
previously listed. I will also help others become safer drivers by
reminding them to follow the rules of the road. It is too often that
I see someone using their phone or not wearing a seatbelt when
driving. Since I have completed drivers ed, these seemingly
small yet deadly mistakes have become much more apparent, and I do my
best to always educate others. In short, we need to drive like our
life depends on it, because it does.