The
Responsibilty of Driving
My
head jerked forward as the pain shot through my back and up to my
forehead. Next thing I knew I was in tears as I leaned back against
the seat. Our car had been rear-ended by someone when my father had
to slam on his brakes because a blind man stepped out in front of us.
This was the first car accident I had ever been in and it made me
realize how important learning how to drive responsibly and carefully
is. I live in North Africa where the main way of getting a drivers
license is by bribing the teacher, so drivers ed is definitely
lacking. It has helped me recognize the importance of explaining to
people just how many accidents happen every year and the great
responsibility you have when you have a license. Many car accidents
happen because something unexpected happens and the driver is not
prepared, like the car in front of you slamming on their brakes or a
blind man crossing a street. Part of drivers ed is explaining
how common accidents are and showing people the need for driving
safely. However, another part that I think is lacking in our system
is teaching people how to react when there is another driver or even
a pedestrian or an animal that is not “following the rules.” We
need to explain to drivers how to be cautious around people who are
making dangerous decisions on the road so that people can stay safe
in unsafe situations.

One
huge way I beleive we could reduce accidents is by using people’s
real stories. Once people understand the numerous ways people get
into accidents it will help them understand the great necessity for
safe drivers in our world today. It is not just people driving while
drunk who get into car wrecks. We need to use statistics and
testimonies to help people understand the severity of the situation.
People need to recoginze the likelihood of them or someone they love
getting in an accident. Half the battle is making people understand
the need, the other half is teaching them how to be safe drivers. I
do not yet have my license, but once I am driving I want to take
extreme measures to be safe on the road. One huge part of driving
safely is keeping your hands on the sterring wheels and your eyes on
the road at all times so I want to be careful to do both of those
things. Right now when I am in the car with other people, like my
parents, I always try to do anything they may need so that they can
pay attention to the road, like texting or calling for them. Car
accidents are a devestating reality in our world today but by
educating people on the need for safe drivers and by teaching them
how to be careful on the road I strongly believe we can combat this
problem to the best of our ability.