Behind the Wheel Awareness

Julia Nocentino

Safe Driving Essay

24 November 2020

Behind the Wheel Awareness

Driver education is a topic that must be mastered by all. Knowing and understanding the rules of the road prepares someone to be behind the wheel. The dangers of the road are extreme, so every individual sitting in the driver’s seat needs to be an expert on driving safely. Unfortunately, there are many deaths that occur during driving incidents. A majority of these accidents could be avoided if all individuals are aware of how to drive with caution. Life is precious and should not be thrown away, especially due to lack of awareness.

There are numerous steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Being fully aware at all times is an indispensable factor in driving. Eyes must be locked on the road and should not drift to potential distractions. Staying focused on the road grants someone the ability to know what is occurring in front of them. Mirrors allow the driver to see surroundings on each side of the car and behind them. Distractions may cause the driver to shift their focus away from the road. Distractions can range from food, cellphones, or even sunlight. Visual distractions can really be anything that is not the road, which is why it is easy to get diverted, but these distractions must be avoided. Not driving responsibly of course puts the driver and whoever is in the car in danger, but it also puts those around at risk. The irresponsible, careless actions of the person behind the wheel can cause an accident, which ultimately puts the innocent lives of others in danger too.

While I have not personally been in a car accident, my father has had an extremely frightening experience because he was distracted. He was driving home from work and rocking out to his tunes. My dad was reaching and trying to change the song that way playing, which caused him to lack awareness of his surroundings and no longer be in control. In that very moment, driving became secondary to him while he focused on changing the song. The car abruptly swerved off the road into a ditch with many tosses and turns along the way. Because of his negligent decision to shift his eyes from the road, he ended up in a horrific accident. Having glass stuck in his skin and eyes and a mild concussion proves that he was very lucky that day. He could have died and even killed others. The distraction of his music triggered this terrifying car accident, which emphasizes why he and everyone else should always drive attentively.

Remaining alert while driving causes less car accidents and even further, less deaths. It is a common mindset to think you are invincible and nothing bad could ever happen to you. In reality, car crashes can happen in a heartbeat, which highlights why everyone needs to take it solemnly. Laws are put in place for a reason and must not be ignored. Driving laws are present for the safety of all. They prevent potential accidents from happening. While all driving laws are important, wearing a seatbelt and obeying speed limits are popular ones. In the unfortunate event of a car accident, a seat belt can be the reason if you live or die. Moreover, speeding plays a colossal factor in the rules of driving, since speed limits need to be followed. Everyone needs to respect speed limits. Disregarding driving laws automatically puts someone in danger. Getting behind the wheel is a privilege and a huge responsibility, so it must be taken seriously to preserve the lives of yourself and others.