One Quick Glance

One Quick Glance by Cole Greer

My parents instilled in me that driving a car is like holding a weapon; one that can kill many people at one time. This advice flashes in my mind while operating a vehicle. This being accurate, our parents may not always be the best ones to instruct us in the driving department. One parent may be a Nervous Nelly while the other may be ok as you don’t drive off the side of a cliff. This is why driver’s education is important. It offers current research and knows the specific state laws. Many scenarios were brought up that my parents would not have thought of. Videos showed cause and effect and the results of unsafe practices. Being exposed to this had an impact on how I operated my vehicle and gave me an advantage when I took the written and maneuverability test.

Speeding, texting, showing off, even looking up a song to play on your mobile device could take your concentration off of the road. The first step to safe driving is putting on your seatbelt. My father and stepfather are both insurance agents and shared with me the higher fatality rate of those who did not buckle up. Looking at your speedmometer and knowing the speed limit is important too. When I first started driving, my mom told me I needed to slow down, and I debated with her insisting I was going the speed limit. I was actually going 40 mph in a 25, because I thought the ROUTE 40 sign was the speed limit. Driver’s Education exposes you to these unfamiliar road signs. Another important step is to ditch the phone if you are in the driver’s seat. Texting or surfing for a favorite song is not ever a practice that will keep you or others safe. Have a playlist prepared ahead of time. Texting while driving is not an option. Put on an automatic reply that you will text when you are at your destination. This way, friends will not keep distracting you. Remember one quick glance at the phone could be a lifetime of heartache for you or others.

I have been in cars where my friends decided it would be cool to run a red light or speed through the tunnel. Even though it may not have ended in a wreck I realized that they cared more about impressing others than anyone’s safety. I mostly drive myself everywhere because of this. I’m not afraid to speak up. Some will ask me why and I just tell them I tell them I value my life and they should too. Explaining their choices could have lasting consequences.

I agree that driving a car is like holding a weapon. Each one requires a license. Each can be deadly, but if taught the right way to use either, they can be productive and safe. I advise my friends to take the driver’s ed course just so they see what I mean.