Driving is A Responsibility, Not a Privileges

Paige Barnes

Driver Education Initiative Award

November 30, 2020

Driving is A Responsibility, Not a Privilege

As generations of children become older and more motivated to be independent, learning how to drive is becoming a prominent demand among teenagers. At the early age of fifteen, teens are able to obtain their permit and in a matter of six months after, they are able to test for and ultimately receive their license. In the U.S. there are over 200 million new drivers each year and a majority of those new drivers are teenagers. Sadly, these amatur drivers contribute to 5 million car accidents and nearly 1,000 deaths each year in the state of South Carolina, due to recklessness and carelessness. In driving school, I believe the most important concept that should be taught is attentiveness and multitasking.

Many people may not know that their car is a weapon when it’s used carelessly. Although this may be a frightening thing to say, it can help new drivers to understand that they can put themselves and others in harm’s way when they are not taking the responsibility of driving seriously. Attentiveness is the action of paying close attention to something or someone. Attentiveness and multitasking should be the main concepts taught because driving is nothing but a test on how well you focus on your environment and the things that go on in it. To reduce the number of deaths caused by car accidents, amatur and experienced drivers should be aware of their surroundings even when the roads and highways seem clear. In addition, if you as a driver see another driver doing something wrong, be sure to get yourself and your passengers into safety, and if possible notify the driver by flashing your headlights or honking your horn. Lastly, to ensure that there are not any accidents caused at your expense, be cautious, be respectful to other drivers, and stay focused at all times.

Gratefully, I have not been in an accident but sadly this year alone I’ve known more than 3 people who have passed from a car accident. To be a safer driver, you can follow the rules of the road and don’t let any other driver bully you off the road. You have just as much right to be on the road as they do.

In conclusion, driving is a fundamental principle of becoming an adult and being more independent. However, as a new or experienced driver, you have to be sure to focus and be attentive of your actions on the road and others’ actions on the road so that accidents are prevented and your loved ones remain safe and with you.