The ‘Perfect’ Time

Drivers Education Essay: “The ‘Perfect’ Time”

Ninah Gibson

Upon entering my senior year of high school, I guess I would consider myself a “late bloomer” in the driving world. It seemed like every—and I mean every—senior on campus was getting around on four wheels except me. I had already gone through a driver’s education program, held my permit for a year, and was eligible to test for my license. However, my parents advised otherwise. “You saw what Byron and Gina had to go through after losing Dominic” my parents recalled of our family friends who had lost their son a year prior. “…and putting you on the road just isn’t a risk we’re willing to take.”

As painful as this was to my ego, I heeded their advice, Personally, I have never been in a car accident, but I have, unfortunately, witnessed the aftermath of others’ accidents, with Dominic and especially as of late. Two friends of mine had just started driving themselves at the beginning of the school year and another was riding with a friend. Within weeks, each had gotten into accidents. One got dinged at an intersection, one got totaled from the back by a distracted driver, and the other and her driver had almost been thrown out of their vehicle if they hadn’t been wearing seatbelts.

A great first step to reduce the number of deaths related to driving would be to take a hard look at yourself and ask, “am I really ready to drive?” “Is driving a necessity for my lifestyle?” “If I have passengers, would I feel confident in protecting their lives?” “Would I be a hazard to other drivers on the road?” With the vast majority of influence coming from social media and peer pressure, despite not feeling entirely ready, many teens will try to get on the road as soon as possible to prove themselves “independent” and “responsible”. I believe responsibility comes from making responsible choices and I would constitute waiting until you’re ready as such. If you are inexperienced, getting a proper driver’s education is crucial, preferably through a program hosted by your local high school or an accredited driving school. Instructors will teach you the rules and regulations of the road, traffic safety, how to practice safe, defensive driving, and perhaps what to know in order to pass your state’s road exam. Proper preparation prior to getting on the road ensures that, although others may be a hazard, you won’t be and you will know what to do if you find yourself in a situation that requires you to defend your life and the lives of your passengers.

If you are currently driving, continue to practice safe, defensive driving practices and basic safety measures such as always wearing your seatbelt, being alert to your surroundings and avoiding anything that might distract you like loud music or text alerts, and avoiding the use of drugs or alcohol when operating the vehicle (especially with passengers). As a passenger, I’m never afraid to remind my driver to put on their seatbelt or help be their eyes in a merge.

Currently, I’m still learning, but I’m also improving every day. When I’m with my mom, I take every chance I can to drive to gain more road experience. When I get licensed, I want to be confident knowing that I am capable of protecting myself and my passengers. To any unlicensed driver at any age, it’s never too late. There is no perfect nor single time in life to start driving. The perfect time is when you’re ready. Keep your head up, keep practicing, and know you are not alone!