In the driver’s seat

In the Driver’s Seat

By: Jordan Carlies

Completing a driver’s education course before obtaining one’s license in my opinion will help to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. This course is beneficial in that it will teach new drivers how to operate a vehicle safely on busy streets, at night, and during other circumstances where driving may be dangerous. A driver’s education course will also help you learn the laws of driving and will keep you safe by providing you with the skills, knowledge, and appropriate mindset needed for vehicle safety.

There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the number of driver related deaths. First, participating in a driver’s education course, second, avoiding distractions such as checking text messages, eating, applying makeup, changing the radio station, or retrieving a dropped item. Third, avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy, never drive under the influence, and try to avoid driving when you are emotional or stressed. Another way to reduce driver related deaths is to always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, traffic laws, school, and construction zones. Always watch out for pedestrians and other drivers. Be observant, cognizant of your surroundings and other drivers. Just because you are paying attention and obeying the traffic laws does not mean other drivers are doing the same.

My mom and I have had the misfortune of experiencing three car accidents the first when I was 9 years old. It seemed as though my mom’s car was a magnet for attracting car accidents. None of the accidents were her fault, each time the other driver was at fault. The first accident we were in, the driver rear-ended our car as we were stopped for the fire and rescue trucks. The other driver’s car was totaled, my mom’s car had damages, but it wasn’t totaled. Our first car accident was scary, but not as scary as our second accident. The second car accident was a hit and run where, the driver ran a red light, t-boned our car, we flipped up in the air and the car came down, rolled about 4 or 5 times, landing upside down after coming to a stop against a tree. We were terrified. Thankfully because I wasn’t 12 yet, I was still riding in the backseat. The paramedics and state trooper said that riding in the backseat and having my seatbelt on probably saved my life because the impact and the rolling of the car caused the front passenger door to fly open even though it was locked. Our third accident, we were again hit from behind while stopped at a red light. The driver was going so fast that upon impact she lifted our car off the ground as the front end of her car went under the rear of our car. Three scary accidents with three different outcomes all caused by distracted drivers.

I plan to take the necessary precautions to stay safe as I am still learning how to drive. I think the accidents have caused my mom to be so nervous about driving that when she lets me drive, she is scared to death. I will obey the speed limit and traffic laws, avoid driving when I am stressed or too emotionally wound up. I will avoid distractions and watch for other drivers. If I am riding with someone that is driving reckless, appears to be under the influence, or not obeying the traffic laws I will have them pullover and call my mom. I will not knowingly get into a car with anyone I suspect is under the influence. I will notify the authorities if necessary, to prevent possible loss of lives. Driving is a privilege and with so many vehicles and pedestrians on the roads one must be alert and attentive all times. I will continue to do my part, to become a better and safe driver.