Switching gears is very important

Switching gears to either drive or reverse is one of the final provisions taken before moving a vehicle. However, the thought never crossed my 15-year-old mind. While pressed against the garage steps, with the front of my mom’s car merging into the kitchen through the drywall, I thought back to how this accident could have been avoided. The excitement of finally receiving the opportunity to drive a different family member’s vehicle dwindled my usual precautionary measures of making sure that I was in the right gear before moving. As I proceeded to fix the mirrors, put my seatbelt on and adjust the seat, it was time to reverse out of the garage. Next thing I remember hearing was my mom yell “No! No! No!” as we rolled forward. Seemingly, I somehow neglected to put the vehicle in reverse, and we carelessly drifted forward in drive.

In hindsight, I realize how I could have saved money, embarrassment and guilt. Futuristically, my objective is to ensure that I am in the correct gear before driving to prevent a potential mishap from forming.

My situation is one of many ways in which one can get into an automobile accident. According to www.dmvedu.org, “The total number of Americans who die within the span of two years as a result of driving is more than the total number of American deaths from the Vietnam war.”

Accordingly, based on Georgia Department of Transportation’s website, “As of 2019, 1,507 people died on Georgia’s roads from unsafe driving behaviors, including distractions, impairment, or driving too fast.” Based on these statistics, it is apparent that many drivers are not cautious while behind the wheel.

In light of the cited facts above, I believe teenagers and even adults should complete proper training on automobile safety to avoid careless accidents.

Traditionally, when we are new drivers, we are taught how to drive from a more experienced family member or friend. However, we never stop to question the family member or friend’s true ability to teach. If their skills are not assessed before teaching someone how to drive, it can lead to an unfortunate situation of passing along poor driving behavior and habits. For example, I see my dad driving with one hand, my aunt driving with her knee and my cousins driving while on their phones. As an unexperienced and professionally untrained driver, it is likely for me to continue their poor habits which can lead to severe or even fatal accidents.

Drivers ed is important because professionals are teaching us the proper safety measures that can save our lives. Sir Francis Bacon once stated “knowledge is power”; the more someone knows the more they will be able to control future events. Awareness, in my opinion, is one of the only controllable methods in contributing to the decrease in deaths caused by unsafe driving.