Safely
Driving to and from College
an
essay by Skyler Bryant

In
just a couple of months I will be moving from my familiar home of
Garland, Texas to go to college in Prairie View, Texas. My driving
experience consists of grocery store runs, chauffeuring little
brothers, and the occasional weekend event. These travels have
occurred on well-lit 2, maybe, 3 lane residential and city streets.
From time to time I may have ventured onto the ever-treacherous
Highway 635. My drive to and from college will throw me into the
realms of Interstate 45 and state highway 90. It is state highway 90
that gives me nightmares. This two-lane highway in the middle of the
country dares me to attempt a speed limit of 70 mph. No driver’s
education course has prepared me for this. On state highway 90 there
is no median, residential homes down long driveways on either side
and livestock grazing dangerous close to the barely there side curb.
Whizzing down this highway are 18 wheelers trying to beat a delivery
deadline, residents simply out running errands, and inexperienced
drivers like me just trying to get to or from campus.

My
drivers ed course did teach me the basics. I am fully
aware how to operate my vehicle, know the appropriate space required
when driving behind vehicles, and I can recognize the meaning of road
signs. After the successful completion of drivers ed, I am
confident in my driving ability. Despite the fact that all new Texas
drivers must successful complete a drivers ed course and
pass a driver’s test, accidents still happen every day. Some
accidents are freaks of nature some are due to carelessness of
drivers. While I may not be able to avoid a freak accident, I can
used knowledge gained in my drivers ed course to prevent
careless driving mistakes on my part. I can make sure that my car is
in good running condition, ensure that my mind and body are well
rested and prepared for a long drive, and eliminate any distractions
that can take my focus off the road.

I
have never been in a car accident while I was behind the wheel. I
have been in the car with my mom in car accidents where she was and
was not at fault. In both cases I learned how to be a better driver
and what to do in the case of an accident. Another way that I have
been affected by car accidents is by the loss of a family member. I
never had the opportunity to meet my paternal grandmother because she
was killed in a car accident when my dad was only 16 years old.
Because of this tragedy my parents have been very protective of me
when it comes to driving. I earned my driving license at almost 18,
some would consider this late. I did not get a car in high school
and was not allowed to just jump in one of my parents’ cars and
ride carelessly around the city.

I
know that my parents are extremely concerned with my drive to and
from Prairie View. Though safe driving practices and my mothers’
prayers, I hope to make it safely to and from all of my travels.