Safe Driving

Growing up, my family consisting of my mother and I, did not own a car. I myself still don’t drive, but I am far more aware of the importance of safe driving than many drivers themselves. One has to be aware when one’s life is on the line.

San Antonio is a bustling city, and it is no exception for people on foot like me. I understand people have places to be, but rarely are they patient. I also have to wait for the sign to change in order to cross the street, and sometimes I have to wait for longer because people like to cut me off. Sometimes drivers fail to acknowledge me when they are blocking the cross walk. I will carry this with me for when I drive, and other people should consider it as well. Be courteous, be patient, and just like pedestrians, it is important to look both ways.

For someone who walks, rainy days are the worst. Sometimes an umbrella isn’t enough to keep myself dry. Puddles of water accumulate on the sides of roads, and when a car zooms by at high speeds, I get splashed. While getting soaked is highly inconvenient, it’s not as concerning as what is happening behind the wheel. When the weather is rough, your priority shouldn’t be going as fast as you can. The fog can hide many dangers, and a wet or frozen road is not to be taken lightly. Plan ahead with extra time so you can be safe.

When I ride the bus, I like to look out the window. On busy days, the only view is full lanes of cars. Sometimes I peek inside the car next to me and what I see isn’t very pleasant. I’ve seen countless grown adults on their phone. It’s one of the most basic rules of driving and still many refuse to follow. Please do not use your phone when you drive. If I, someone who doesn’t ride in a car daily, knows to stop or pull over to answer a text, you should too. The seconds you use on your phone are seconds your eyes aren’t on the road. It could cost lives, including your own.

One of the few memories I have of my dad is of him driving. Now that I’m older I know he was and might still be an alcoholic. I remember being in the passenger seat of his truck, hanging on for dear life. He had a beer in his cup holder and I knew it hadn’t been his first. I was young and I remember asking him to at least stop drinking while he was driving, but nothing I said helped. Fortunately, no accident occurred that night, but it’s something I will never forget. I will never knowingly put myself or anyone else in that type of danger. If you ever plan on drinking, please don’t plan on driving.

Soon I will begin to drive myself, and I will keep in mind all these experiences. I will also keep in mind the dozens of deaths I’ve seen on television due to negligent drivers. If you know the rules, follow them, if it can end your life, be careful. Keep yourself and those around you safe by encouraging safe driving.