Small Ways to Create a Big Impact

Small Ways to Create a Big Impact

As teenagers take to the road and begin driving, soon follow the tales of car accidents. Some are little dings from a failed parking job, others are car totalling tragedies that the student is just glad they got out of unscathed. In my personal experience, I know two students who totalled their cars just in my grade level. Luckily they ended up being okay, but many people aren’t. Road injuries are among the top causes of death around the world, right under diseases, cancers, and strokes. Though driving is a part of everyday life, something we expect most teens to do, it isn’t as safe as we like to believe. Drivers ed is able to cement safe driving habits in kids before they have a chance to develop bad ones. Driving can be scary, especially for inexperienced young drivers. Drivers ed brings up the possible terrifying driving situation and informs you on how to react so that you can make the correct split-second decision.

One of my uncles was out driving with friends before seat belts were so commonplace. They were driving fast, having fun like many teen boys do, when their car flipped into a ditch. My uncle had serious head injuries, and although he survived, he was hardly able to graduate on time, hardly able to give his speech. He was lucky to survive and his experience highlights the reason people need to wear seatbelt. Since they became mandatory, seat belts have saved countless lives. There are many safety features that people don’t often consider that drivers ed teaches you about. Things like making sure your mirrors are properly adjusted before you start driving. That little glance around your car could save you later on the highway when you are desperately trying to change lanes.

One of the most important safe driving tips is to use your turn signals. Even though it seems trivial when no one is around, it is a good habit that drivers ed hammers into your head. Many times while driving down the highway, I see a car suddenly swerve into the next lane so that they can make it to the exit, forcing the car they race in front of to slam on the breaks. Not only is this inconsiderate to other drivers, but it can easily start a huge pile up on a busy highway. When going at high speeds, you never want to make drastic changes. As a driver you should always plan your route so that you don’t encounter a surprise while going so fast. As a passenger you can help your driver by reminding them to change lanes sooner and to help them navigate in new areas. Whenever you are driving, you should lead by example and do your part to keep traffic moving smoothly. By using your turn signal properly you might save a life.