2020 Drivers ed Essay Contest

2020 Drivers ed Essay Contest

By Tiffany Villa

6/13/20

Long ago are the days of the horse and carriage. Driving is a luxury to which many of us have become desensitized. While driving has become common place in our society, we must remember the gravity of the responsibility associated with such a privilege. When we get behind the wheel, we must be aware of not only ourselves but also the others around us. Educating drivers to the possible dangers along with techniques to best navigate this new responsibility can help prevent accidents including those that are fatal. Certain courses such as those that have guest speakers of loved ones lost in an accident or the images of accidents are emotional and can have a profound impact. That is the course that I took, and it was effective. The mnemonic slogans such as “Arrive alive” on the highway road signs are a great reminder that a text or call is not worth your life or the lives of others. Another method of helping lower the number of accidents would be to require drivers to take a safety course if they have been in several accidents as they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of proper defensive driving techniques. More media campaigns stressing attentiveness, speed limits, the usage of seatbelts and no texting or calling while driving also help instill the message and offer another angle of delivery.

When I was 17, I backed into my mom’s vehicle when I was leaving the driveway. Though it was a narrow pathway and it was minor, had I been paying attention, it could’ve been avoided. I have never forgotten the incident and it was my first and last accident. Thankfully, my father, who taught me how to drive, stressed the importance of safe driving. He would always say “triple check all of your mirrors and be aware of what is around you”. This has stuck with me and is a current practice of mine. I try to always be alert to what’s happening around me so that I am able to respond accordingly. With nephews that are learning how to drive, I share this same message with them so as to help educate a new generation of the magnitude of what they are embarking on.