Learning the Right Way

The road can be a dangerous place, but oftentimes drivers forget it. As a member of the most at-risk age group, I’ve never been in a hurry to get licensed, especially after a very informative health class. The idea of my life being in the hands of countless strangers frightened me, as did the consequences of making a mistake. The effects of a single crash can be unbelievably far-reaching – a single death can bring grief upon families and entire communities, and survivors will never be the same. Unlike most of my peers who sought to start driving as soon as possible for the sake of freedom, I initially didn’t see the risks as worth it. But driving is a part of growing up and in many cases a necessity, making it all the more important that everyone learns to drive the right way, safely and responsibly.

I didn’t know Evan well, but I’d met him before and had an impression of him as an average high schooler who had numerous friends and played sports, specifically soccer. At 1:40 p.m. on April 3 of this year, when he was turning into his street, he lost control of his car, running off of the road and colliding with a tree. He was killed almost immediately – he had not been wearing a seatbelt. His death was shocking news to our community. The circumstances of his death reminded us all that even in seemingly safe situations, the worst can happen if we become reckless. Drivers can become complacent when they’re driving in familiar areas, especially near their homes, and are likely to be less aware and take unnecessary risks, such as not wearing a seatbelt in Evan’s case. In order to prevent accidents like his, drivers must learn to be attentive and cautious no matter the situation.

Drivers ed often determines what type of drivers learners become, and can make the difference between life and death. Certified instructors are important, but parents are especially influential, as students spend a large amount of their practice time with a parent in the car. Parents have the opportunity to positively shape learners early on by influencing their driving habits, both through instruction and by practicing safe driving themselves. Parents often adopt a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude, but I, for one, know that I’m probably more inclined to text while driving after seeing my parents do so, and I’m probably less likely to listen to someone criticizing my mistakes if they make the same ones. By serving as teachers and examples, parents have the chance to raise a generation of safe drivers and prevent countless deaths, and it’s their responsibility to do so. It’s also the responsibility of students to accept the wisdom of their parents and to always drive as they would with them there. Finally, it’s up to all of us to be aware and help to create a future where the road is a safe place for everyone.