Drive Safe!

Brian Tran

Driver Education Initiative Award

30 November 2020

Drive Safe!

The National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course defines safe driving skills as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.” Driving is a huge responsibility. Over 34,000 people die each year due to driving in America. There are many ways that driving can result in the death and harm of others, from just reckless driving to drunk driving. That is why safe driving education is so important. We need to make sure that the next generation of drivers knows the importance of driver education. That way, we can reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving.

There are many steps to ensure the reduction of deaths because of driving. It is important to know that you are not the only one on the road. Other people also have places to be and things to do as well. Practice before you go on the road. If you are a new driver, don’t just go out on the streets like you are experienced. Practice and make sure that you are a safe enough driver so that no one is in danger. Make sure to drive safe. Reckless driving does not bring any benefit to you or the generally public. By driving recklessly, you are putting everyone at risk, including yourself. Following the general principle of driving will ensure that you are not putting anyone at risk: control your speed, stay focused on the road and expect the unexpected, be alert. Just following these simple steps ensures that you are driving safely. Do not drive under the influence. Driving under the influence, whether its alcohol or substances, is just not okay. Your mind needs to be focused and distraction free to drive, so why would you put yourself and others in danger. No matter what circumstances you are in, it can be emergency or not, do not drive under the influence, even if you think you are fine enough to drive.

I myself have experienced the results of irresponsible driving. My family and friends have constantly been in and caused accidents. That is why it is important to educate them on the importance of safe driving. I constantly hear stories on social media of people dying due to reckless driving, some of the victims being children. It just breaks my heart to hear the selfishness of others that cost someone else’s life.

Personally, I do not know how to drive yet. The reason for that is because I am scared of the road. I know that I am not ready to be a driver so I have chosen to give it time until I am one hundred percent confident about driving. When that time comes, it is up to me to ensure that I know all the rules and regulations so that I am putting no one at risk. When you are driving with a friend or a family member and notice that they are not following the rules, it is not only their responsibility, but yours to make sure that they are being safe on the road. If they are driving past the speed limit, tell them to slow down; if they don’t have their seatbelt on, make sure that they put it on.

Nowadays, we drive safer cars on safer roads, so it is up to us to make sure that everyone is educated on the importance of safe driving.