Name: Callie Johnson
From: Coon Rapids, MN
Votes: 0
Do
you remember the first time that you got behind the wheel? Your
guardian sits alongside you nervously, as you start up the family car
for the first time. In a year, you’ll take your driver’s test,
that you hope to pass on the first try. Today, with your license in
hand, you have access to the world. You drive with the music
blasting, and probably have friends in the backseat laughing. The sun
sets and rises, as you drive across the country without a worry in
the world, except for that gas gauge, that seems to always be on E.
Driving is a huge responsibility, that many individuals take
seriously. However, recent studies show that the fatalities
associated with driving are higher than the fatalities of soldiers
from various wars, who fought so valiantly for our country.
The
importance of educating the drivers of America, will greatly reduce
the deaths associated with driving. Whether you are a seasoned
driver, or a newly licensed sixteen years old, one must be reminded
of the power that they wield behind the wheels of their vehicles.
Luckily, drivers ed courses provide thorough class sessions
on a wide range of topics. I will always remember the time that I had
to drive around an empty parking lot in a golf cart, with goggles
that simulated the act of driving while intoxicated. It was eye
opening to have that experience in a safe environment. These courses
are designed for the youth of our country, however, maybe it’s time
to provide similar resources for our seasoned drivers? Many are due
for a crash course on safe driving. I am not saying that seasoned
drivers should be required to attend drivers ed courses,
but there should be readings or simulations designed to target those
that have long passed the youthful years of drivers ed.
Accidents
are a common occurance in our country. Personally, I have been in two
accidents over the past year and a half, neither being my fault. The
first time, an older gentleman had decided to pull out in front of
me, while I was driving down the highway, and he was stopped at a
stop sign. His response to the accident, “he didn’t see me
coming”. The second accident occured at a stop light, where I was
rear ended. The driver was on his cell phone and thought that the
“light turned green”. I am lucky compared to other drivers out
on the roads, my accidents never resulted in injury, or worse, death.
However, I was still affected by those distracted drivers. If we are
to reduce these statistics, our drivers must take the act of driving
seriously!
Overall,
driving is a huge responsibility. As a country, we need to come
together to prevent further damages associated with irresponsible
driving. Remember, pay attention to the road! Put all those
distractions aside, because another person’s life is far more
important than that text or that new song playing on the radio.
Word
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