In the Fast Lane

Gabrielle Musco

11/16/2020

In the Fast Lane

The fast lane. That one lane makes time feel like it has stopped, the cool touch of the wind on your cheek, and the music so loud you cannot even hear your own thoughts. You’re so caught in the moment and then BOOM! The moment is over, your car is flipped and the person you hit is unconscious. Now the music has stopped, the wind is hot, and your thoughts are louder than the car’s engine at this point. All you can think about why you were not paying attention, what could you have done to prevent this, and the guilt of disappointing your parents and failing to abide to the rules of the road you just stand and reflect.

Every year over 4.4 million people are injured due to vehicle related accidents. To reduce the number of deaths due to driving it is mandatory to take a driver’s education program if you want to get a license. The importance of driver education is to provide correct information to new, or old, drivers about the laws, rules, and what to do on the road in different situations. To reduce the number of things you can limit distractions such as: food, loud music, or being on your cell phone while driving. It is scientifically proven that a human cannot do two things at once while excelling at both activities.

The reason I believe it is so important to drive safely is not just for yourself but for others such as other vehicles, your friends, and even your family because none of these people listed would want to see you hurt or harm someone else do to careless actions. Even I have had my share of scary experiences in vehicle accidents. One day when I was in the 3^rd grade, my brother checked me out of school which was very odd because I did not have a doctor’s appointment or anything. He proceeded to tell me in the car that our mother was in a car accident and was brought to the hospital. I was scared and nervous because I did not know how bad it was. When I walked in the room, she laid on the bed so stiffly I really thought I had lost my mama that day. She called my name and I could not help but to cry in her arms. She was in a lot of pain and although she did not pass away I still did not want her to be harmed in anyway due to someone else’s careless actions. I can still remember that day. It all happened so fast. I could have lost my mother so fast. In a heartbeat. That is why driver education is important so we can reduce the incompetence of those around us, so we can inform people to make them a knowledgeable driver.

In the same breath, there are many steps you can take to become a better driver and to help others become safer on the road. One step you can take is by limiting the distractions around you. One text message is not worth risking your life. Another step you or someone else can take is to do the speed limit and not speed because it is there for a reason so you do not lose control of your vehicle if you are coming around on a turn or something. Finally, another thing you could do to be a safer driver is to pay hard attention to those around you. My instructor once told me, “remember, everyone else around you IS an idiot.” Although some may think it was harsh a bit, it helped me to remember to pay attention to another car around me. This single statement has kept me from several wrecks and it could keep you from them as well; you just have to apply your knowledge.