‘The Risks Taken’

Before I first began driving, my parents enrolled me into a driver’s education program. I learned so many important things from this course and it helps me to this day. I learned about being conscious of situations around me, traffic signs, and the dangers of driving. It is a very exciting thing being able to drive but you have to understand the responsibilities you’re undertaking. One wrong decision could cost you or someone else their life.

There are many ways to reduce fatalities because of drivers such as obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, being well rested and not consuming drugs or alcohol. One of the biggest distractions today are cell phones, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes a year. A driver’s education program is the best way for anyone to learn about traffic laws and the dangers of not obeying them. Not maintaining the speed limit can result in a ticket or a crash.

When I was two and a half months old my family was involved in a car accident that killed an eight-year-old girl. My father, who was driving at the time, was turning onto a dirt road. It hadn’t rained in months so the dust was not settling which impaired my father’s vision. A man, his wife, and two kids were driving the same road in front of us when their dad slammed on his brakes to yell at one of his children. He made the little girl move to the back of the van right as the truck made contact with the van. The two girls were taken by helicopter to a hospital and my family and I were taken to a smaller hospital to be sure we didn’t have any serious injuries. We all came out fine except for the young girl in the other car who lost her life.

When asking my parents about this accident I can see and hear the pain they felt that day and I’m sure the parents of that young girl do too. The mistakes you make today can have an effect on you for the rest of your life which is why I have educated myself to be a better driver.

For anyone wanting to acquire a driver license, I encourage them to take a driver education class. Always be aware of what is going on around you. It is also important to wear your seatbelt, I have made it a habit to always fasten my seatbelt when getting into my car.