From Fear to Freedom

From Fear to Freedom

I had always pictured myself driving at an earlier age like my siblings and friends but was too afraid to take the wheel. So, there I was, 18 years old learning how to drive for the first time. I know many people would say this is still considered young, but for me, I felt that everyone I knew had some type of experience on the open road. My fear stemmed from when my older sister was involved in a car accident. I became so anxious after hearing this that I always put off every chance to drive, even though I desired to. I was a senior in high school when I decided to take Driver Education. After a long-awaited season, I finally decided to take the initiative to not only learn how to drive but use the skills being taught to stay safe for both myself as well as others on the road.

I believe the importance of Driver Education is to do just that, educate. As a young adult who took Driver Education, I can understand the sense of caution that driving requires. I find it easier to use more defensive driving skills now, as opposed to learning from family members and friends whose driving behavior was different. Utilizing defensive driving skills is a major key to reducing the number of deaths that happen during driving. Being observant as well as anticipating other driver behaviors is a good way to stay safe. Some steps I believe could help to promote the prevention of driving deaths would be to keep oneself accountable for distracted driving. These may include deciding not to pick up your cell phone while you’re driving, never being under the influence of substances and/or medications, and always double-checking mirrors, blind spots, and for pedestrians. All these factors are steps in which can limit the possibility of accidents that could result in fatal incidents.

There have been a few instances in which I noticed my friends driving irresponsibly. Some of these involved eating, texting on their phones, and even reaching down for items that took their eyes off the road for a few seconds, and it only takes a second for something to be irreversible. At this time, I did not have a license but instead, I intervened and asked if I could assist by texting or calling someone for them as well as speaking to them frequently to limit this behavior.

One thing I always pride myself on is making sure I do what I can to be the safest driver possible. There are times when I am tempted to engage in distractive driving behavior; however, I know that the biggest takeaway is determining that death can not only affect others but me as well. After taking Driver Education, I chose to live a life that continued to practice and execute the skills I have learned while enhancing them every day by modeling a positive example to family and friends alike. Therefore, when it comes to choices that can change the trajectory of life, choose the ones that bring the best impact for not only yourself but others, and for me, Driver Education has taught me just that.