Im the Driver’s Seat

DMV Safe Driving Essay

Isabella McKee

Driver education is one of the most crucial parts that provide vehicle operators with the utmost information on what to do in any given situation on the road since anything can happen. I believe that both in class and field experience is vital to be able to understand and apply the skills learned to ensure safety for both yourself and others. For example, by learning the steps it takes to correct hydroplaning along with practicing such on an established practice course allows for people to be prepared for these situations, thus making them confident in their driving capabilities, thus reducing the risk of fatalities on the road. I believe the skills needed to aid in reducing the number of deaths on the road are detailed practiced preparedness that can be implemented as a requirement for new drivers. Before getting my driver’s license, my mother signed me up for a day-long instructive course by the county’s sheriff’s office that taught young students the most effective ways to stay safe on the road, along with putting it in action. Reluctant at first, I dread spending a Saturday learning things I thought I already knew, but I was surprised about all the valuable things they taught me. One of the biggest things that have helped me today as a driver was the experience I gained by learning how to correct hydroplaning. By using an old car with the instructor in the passenger seat, I was able to hydroplane across a wet lot and correct it, something I feared if I had no practice. I also practiced quick lane change at high speeds and on with activating the Anti-Lock Braking System, something I had no experience with but was grateful to learn to be able to identify it in the future. These valuable skills have prevented me from harming myself or others while driving, something I appreciate every day when on the road. Luckily, I have not been in an accident personally, but often the ones I witness are due to distraction mainly from phones. Something I can personally advocate for to my friends and family is to realize that one text isn’t worth their life or others, hopefully putting into perspective the importance of attention when driving. Mindfulness such as this can make the difference between life or death for the driver and the general public.