Down the Road

Abigail Ganze

Down the Road

Driving is not easy. I was told that it takes at least 10 years to be considered an experienced driver. Driving might seem easy, but it requires high levels of attention and skill. Driving education teaches people the rules of the road that they must follow them. Deaths will be reduced if everyone follows the rules and drives defensively. I was taught to be a defensive driver because it keeps you safe and the others around you. Driving education also practices driving with the teacher which means that the students are supervised while they begin to learn how to drive. It also teaches people the dangers of the road to make them more cautious drivers.

In different parts of the country, it would be good to teach people about different weather hazards. For instance, driving in snow is different from driving in rain, so it would be beneficial to have a driving class with these weather conditions. People should drive the speed limit because the speed limits were set for certain kinds of roadways. Highways, freeways, and residential roads need different speed limits because the amount of people that will use these roadways are varying. It is also good to be a defensive driver rather than an aggressive driver because you are wearier of taking risks that could endanger other cars and bystanders. Drivers should not text while they drive or look at their phone. It is also safer to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, so drivers should not eat, smoke, or reach for something while the car is moving. The driver should not consume alcohol if they are planning to drive themselves or others somewhere after drinking. If anything goes wrong or the driver must do something, they should look for a safe way to get off the road and stop.

I have been fortunate enough to never have been in an accident myself. However, I have seen my friends and family driving irresponsibly. Speeding is what everyone does, but it depends on each person how fast they speed. It is quite terrifying driving with friends because they are not very experienced drivers. Sometimes my parents and friends’ road rage which is something that I have done. It is a good mindset to be in, but it typically lasts for thirty-seconds then it is ok.

I will make sure that I am well rested and able to concentrate before I try driving anywhere. I will make sure that I try to keep the speed limit or control my speed depending on the weather conditions. I also will not take unnecessary risks that could endanger my life and those around me. I will also put my phone away, so I don’t talk or text while I drive. I will also reframe from eating while I drive because I would only be driving with one hand. I will also refrain from trying to change the radio while I am driving because it could be considered a distraction. Safe driving will keep me and others safe while keeping insurance rates down.