Out of Your Mind, Out of Your Seat

In one moment you have your windows down, singing your favorite song. You look down a split second to start it from the beginning. And all of a sudden, your car is flipped over. The car behind you is crushed and the driver is missing. The song is still playing.

We’ve all heard about the tragedies on the road. Whether they were due to a drunk driver, not paying attention, or a bad tire, we have all been told what not to do in order to avoid that situation. But for some reason, once we get in that car, a sense of freedom and luck come into us. We never expect to be in that situation, but the reality is, it can happen to whoever, and whenever if we aren’t careful.

“Be a safe driver”. So what does that exactly mean? You might think of putting on your seatbelt, adjusting your mirrors, and not passing the speed limit. That is true, but there is a lot more that goes into being a safe driver. It also means checking your tires. Putting your phone away. Considering the weather. Watching out for other drivers. Using your turning signals. And most importantly, putting your eyes and mind on the road.

How many times have we set our eyes locked on something but then slowly started dazing off, daydreaming about things that will probably never happen? Our mind is running in circles but our eyes are still locked on that one thing. Things are still happening around you, maybe someone is calling your name. But you aren’t paying attention. Your eyes are there but your mind isn’t. Driving is the same way. It doesn’t help if you only look at the road and your surroundings. You have to see it and constantly understand it. Anticipating road signs, other cars, and pedestrians is very important to be a safe driver.

Now, concentration does not just matter during the ride. Focusing before and after is just as important. Before you turn on your car, are you in a good mood? Are you and your passengers buckled? Are your lights on? After you arrive, did you set it to park? And put the parking brake? Are you parked on the right side of the road? Are you crossing any lines? Driving might sound complicated once you go through all the safety precautions one should take but it is truly needed for our world to lower the chances of someone getting into an accident. This is why taking drivers ed is super important, especially for new drivers. My driver’s ed teacher once said, “Driving is not a right, it is a privilege”, and he is very right.

So whenever you are on the road, always remember who you could affect. Use your privilege wisely. One less bad and unsafe driver on the road is better than nothing. It could happen to you, and if not you, then your friend or mother. And waiting for the tragedy to happen rather than just avoiding it would be really sad. Follow the laws and focus on the road, because if you are out of your mind, you could end up out of your seat.