In the Driver’s Seat: Always Be Aware

In the Driver’s Seat: Always Be Aware 

As a child, I always sat in the backseat of the car while my parents drove me to school, paying little attention to how they drove. However, when I was old enough to sit in the front passenger seat, I could see the signs on the road more prominently and became excited to learn more about them. While I completed my drivers’ education, I realized that driving was not only about how to get from one place to another, but it was also about the rules in between, like doing full stop at stop signs.

Drivers’ education taught me to drive cautiously and defensively with a level head, not to let emotions distract me. In addition, drivers’ education helped me visualize the impact of unsafe driving. For example, I learned that according to the NHTSA, 10% of fatal crashes and 15% of injury crashes in 2015 were a result of distracted driving.  

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, we need to abide by the rules of the road and be cautious. Simple actions such as buckling your seatbelt and staying within the speed limits are very important to protect yourself and everyone around you. Drivers should also keep in mind that not everyone follows the rules, doing things such as running red lights, so we should be extra careful. In addition, pedestrians are unpredictable sometimes, which is another factor to consider when driving. 

When I was very young, I was in the car with my parents when we got rear-ended by a van behind us. I was scared and confused when it happened because I suddenly felt a hard jolt in my seat out of nowhere. Luckily, no one was injured, but that was my first glimpse into some of the dangers of driving. My father reassured me that everything would be fine when he got out of the car, explaining to me that he was exchanging insurance information with the driver that rear-ended us. I was still confused, but later I learned that car insurance is a key part of being able to drive. 

To become a better and safer driver, I make sure to always follow the rules and reduce distractions while driving. For example, while driving to a friend’s house at night, I made sure my headlights were on and that I was focusing all my energy into driving, not texting or playing music loudly to impair my concentration. Because I took these precautions, I got to my destination safely. 

When we sit in the driver’s seat, we acknowledge the responsibilities that we have on the road and must remember to use our knowledge to keep everyone safe. We should also remember that our actions on the road can change lives. I hope that we can all practice safe driving by reminding each other of precautions and safety measures and give ourselves peace of mind knowing that we are doing our best to be safe.