In The Driver’s Seat

In The Driver’s Seat

Kierstyn Schmid

Driving is a huge responsibility and it should be taken seriously. You’re driving a two ton, metal machine that’s travelling 60 miles per hour, you should know the proper ways of operating it to protect you and others from harm. When someone is becoming a new driver, it’s important for them to enroll in driver’s education classes. Driver’s education is an excellent way for you to learn all of the rules of the road and how to be a defensive driver.

By taking a driver’s education course, you will be able to learn what all of the different road signs and lines mean to prevent your ignorance of the road from harming you or those around you. Most of the kids my age that I know didn’t take driver’s education and they often violate so many rules while they’re driving and they don’t even think twice about it. Most kids feel that it’s a waste of time and they are arrogant enough to believe that they will never be the ones who are in the car accident next. High school kids whiz back and forth through different lanes and cut off tons of other cars just because they are impatient and don’t realize how dangerous that could be. Their typical excuses for violating rules of the road are, “I’m only going 15 over, it’s not that much over the speed limit” or “It’s fine, I do it all the time.”

I was driving home once, and the car in front of me braked last minute, so I had to slam on my brakes but I was far enough behind the car so that I had time to react without hurting anyone. But the car behind me was driving fairly close to the back of my car and ended up rear-ending me instead. Luckily no one was hurt but they should have knwon to drive at least three seconds behind me in order to prevent hitting the back of my car, and a driver’s education class would have definitely prepared her for a situation like that. Driver’s education not only helps you become a better driver, but it also teaches you to be on the lookout for those who are recklessly driving around you and how to react in a safe manner that protects you and the other cars around you.

Some safe driving techniques that people can practice are to always buckle up in the car, keep your eyes on the road, and do not ever be on the phone. Cell phones are a huge distraction and they cause a high majority of car accidents. People always feel the need to be on their phone and they feel that nothing will happen if they look down at their phone for just a second, especially newer drivers. They’ll use their phone to look up directions, change the song, send a text, or whatever else they felt like was more important than paying attention to the road. A typical drive to the store or to work is probably around 15 minutes and that is a short enough drive for you to be able to put your phone down and not pick it back up until you arrive at your destination. But if it’s a longer drive or you absolutely need to use your phone to look up directions or call someone, then wait to use your phone when you have come to a complete stop and it is safe enough for you and those around you to use your phone for a minute.

Another high cause of car accidents is drunk driving. Under no circumstances should anyone ever drive under the influence. If you know that you are going out and you know that you will be drinking, have a designated driver or call a taxi service to take you to and from your destination. Or if you went out and you didn’t know that you were going to be drinking, have someone take you home or call a taxi service. And then in the morning, you can go back to pick up your car. Drunk driving is hazardous and it tends to hurt the people in the other car than the drunk driver. It’ll also cause major damages to both cars that will be very expensive and you will get arrested for one, drunk driving, and two, harming those in the other car. If you had been drinking one night and you feel like you are good to drive, have someone sober take you home anyway. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Because if the people in the other car get seriously injured, it could get you in serious trouble and it will ruin your life.

Driving is a huge responsibility and usually isn’t seen as very serious because we drive so much and get so used to it. We feel as though we will never be the ones to get into an accident. Although you may feel like you’re a good enough driver to stay out of harm’s way, another car near you probably isn’t. Driver’s education courses are very important for learning all of the rules of the road to make you a better defensive driver and to keep you and others safe.