Name: Markheem Glover
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Votes: 0
When
a teenager approaches the age of 16, the only thing he/she is focused
on is the opportunity to get a driver’s license and start driving.
I admit it, I was among those who did that very thing. I studied the
manual just enough to pass my online course in order to get what I
needed for a learner’s permit. This in itself is not considering
the extreme importance of getting out on those busy highways and
having to control thousands of pounds of steel, or whatever cars a
made of now. The only thing a teenager is thinking about is showing
off for their peers. They have no clue as to the number of
fatalities or injuries that occur each day due to lack of knowledge
and adequate training on how to handle a vehicle. The first thing
that comes from their mouth is “I know how to drive”. The
Driver’s manual will inform and educate you on the rules that must
be followed. But until you actually experience driving, especially
the first few times, you cannot grasp all of the other things that
one must be familiar with in order to be safe. Most teens are totally
clueless as to what to lookout for while driving.
It
is my belief that all drivers should be mandated to complete a
drivers ed class prior to receiving a license. A class
need to be taken that allows you to be taught the safe and proper way
to drive, i.e. how to change lanes, how to position your hands on the
steering wheel. The online courses are for convenience only. You
cannot obtain all that is needed via online. Also, to go a step
further, every licensed driver needs to take a refresher course
periodically. This is needed in order to make sure all of the rules
and safe driving skills are maintained.
A
vehicle is basically a moving weapon. At any given time, if a person
makes a mistake, you and anyone in your path can be injured seriously
or killed. I have seen serious accidents in passing, however, thank
God, I have never had to experience one.
All
drivers should take driving very serious and when they step into a
vehicle, leave all outside distractions behind. Anything that might
cause a distraction is set aside; in particular a cell phone. Most
people are under the misconception that they can talk on a cell phone
and drive at the same time. This is so incorrect. It only takes a few
seconds to be in harms way.
So
I say to all, please make yourself aware of all the rules, get the
proper training, look out for the other drivers and focus on driving
only when behind the wheel of any vehicle.
