The Value of Safe and Attentive Driving

The Value of Attentive and Safe Driving

“Sit up straight and look right this way dear,” said the lady taking my photo at the DMV. I couldn’t stop smiling, I was finally getting my driver’s license! At the time, I was envisioning what I’d do the moment when I got behind the steering wheel. I started planning trips to the movie theatre with friends, breakfast runs before school, maybe getting my first job. For myself and many other young people, getting your driver’s license was a rite of passage to adulthood. However, soon after driving I learned the serious importance of defensive driving and following the rules of the road.

When I was first learning to drive, I didn’t have my own car, so I would drive my dad’s Chevy Camaro for practice. One night after school, as I was leaving with my dad in the passenger seat beside me, I got distracted talking to him about my day and looking another direction, when suddenly I rear ended a car that I hadn’t even noticed. I was even more astonished to see that the driver who I had rear ended was none other than one of my very own teachers, Ms. Martinez! The whole incident left me incredibly embarrassed, but I was thankful that no one was hurt.

Since that incident, I now have my own car, and I make tremendous efforts to ensure that I don’t get into another accident. I now realize how important it is to drive attentively. Driving while distracted, either visually or by taking your hands off the steering wheel, can lead to serious consequences and unfortunately even death. For this reason I don’t text while driving, I keep my eyes on the road, and if I absolutely need to use my phone for directions I’ll pullover whenever it’s safe.

I also service my car regularly, checking my fluids, front and rear lights, and my tire pressure to make sure my car doesn’t give me any unwanted surprises while on the road. I also leave myself plenty of breaking distance between cars to avoid any accidents, and drive with extra caution whenever weather conditions such as rain, strong winds, or ice might pose an issue.

I’m grateful for my car and my ability to drive on the road, and I value my life and those of others, which is why it is my strong conviction that everyone should be properly educated on the rules of the road, and that the government and schools invest in high quality driver’s education programs that ensure young drivers stay safe. It is also my firm belief that individuals should not drive if they are under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances, and that drivers should also refrain from driving if they are too sleepy. In situations like these, it’s always best to either call a friend or a taxi to keep yourself and others safe. Driving can be a lot of fun but it is not a privilege that should be taken for granted. Life is precious and should be respected, and so should the laws of the road.