Driving: It’s a Privilege not a Right

Driving: It’s a Privilege not a Right

By:Tamile Burcke

Driver education is immensely important. It keeps people informed as to how their actions can directly affect the life of another in the most tragic way. Not only is driver education important but also driver willingness to comply. In all honesty, drivers can be educated and know that it is not a smart decision to get behind the wheel, and still choose to do so. This is in any capacity from driving under the influence to getting behind the wheel while you are not stable. Everytime someone gets behind the wheel against their better judgment it is a choice that they are making to disregard the number of driving related deaths each year. But, drivers education keeps drivers and future drivers directly aware of the responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel. It ensures that people aren’t blind to the dangers of reckless driving and the number of deaths related to it. Also keeping in mind that it’s not just making sure drivers have this information but ensuring that everytime they get behind the wheel they do so responsibly.

Overall, it is a collaborative effort of drivers and pedestrians that will reduce the number of driver related deaths. Although, individually things we could all do to decrease these numbers might be, not getting distracted while you’re driving. Whether it’s looking at your phone while driving or trying to be a part of the party that is going on in your backseat because all your friends are with you.We can make sure we all hold each other accountable. If you see someone going to drive after you know or it appears they have been drinking, it is your responsibility to step in and see if there is an alternative. You never know that might be the night a life was saved. Then there are the little things like, following road signs, always being alert, and just knowing the rules of the road. In the end if everyone does their part, streets everywhere can be safer. Less vehicular accidents and less pedestrians getting hit.

Thankfully I have never been in a car accident. I have however witnessed family and friends driving irresponsibly unfortunately. There are moments after coming back from maybe a party or a get-together, somewhere where alcohol was involved and everybody wants to have fun. So they think a drink here and there won’t hurt anyone. It’s easy to forget that the slightest bit of alcohol can impair one’s judgement when they’re behind-the-wheel. But, it’s cases like those where a choice has to be made. Are you comfortable getting behind the wheel as the person who was drinking and are you comfortable getting in the car with a person behind the wheel who was drinking.

Becoming a better driver entails that you are always focused on the road ahead of you. When you’re behind the wheel you are alert to what’s going on around you. Being a better and safer driver, comes from self awareness. Your actions on the road and choosing to follow the laws that are in place for your protection and the protection of others around you.