Driving a Privilege, Not a Right

Driving is a risky activity that we participate in during our everyday lives. There are different varieties of drivers in the world: the ones who care, the ones who race, the ones who do not care, and the ones who drink. Each driver is required to be educated in the classroom and on physical drives in order to be familiar with the road by age sixteen. Exposing teens to this responsibility is very important in order to prepare them for other upcoming responsibilities like decision making. Driver’s education emphasizes the amount of responsibility and readiness needed to operate behind the wheel. They make sure to include the risks and what happens when drivers take those risks very lightly. The driver’s test is a stressful experience for teens. However, it is a useful way to make sure they are ready to take on the roads.

There have been more casualties to drivers than soldiers total in lraq. This is caused by driving while intoxicated, distracted drivers, falling asleep, and reckless driving. Students are educated on how to avoid these situations as a contraceptive; however it is not always effective. Teens can feel as if they are “invincible” until they are involved in an accident. A way this can be avoided is by using an anti-distraction system in the car. Some of the newer cars may contain this system. My mom’s car for example has it where you are unable to connect bluetooth devices while the car is moving. My Dad’s truck shows disclaimers about how specific actions on it’s smart system can lead to accidents. Another device is a magnetic phone holder. This can allow a phone to be propped up so the GPS is in a non distracting spot. lf the phone has nothing to be propped up on, this can cause more distractions, increasing the risk for an accident. Phones overall are an active contributor in accidents. ln order to avoid a phone completely, put it on silent and hide it away in a bag or purse. This will allow you to focus all of your attention on the road and your surroundings. After a long night at work or out with friends, people catch themselves dozing off behind the wheel, which in a short amount of time can cause long term consequences. lf you catch yourself falling asleep while driving, immediately pull over and offer another person who is eligible to drive, or take a break. ln the event someone has not started to drive but they know they are too tired, they can give a trusted friend or family member a call to be picked up. Otherwise, they can stay overnight where they are and get a good night’s sleep before driving. lt is important to be in a stable, emotional state before starting your car. This means that your mind is focused on the road and your surroundings. “Therapeutic drives” seem Iike a good temporary solution, but in reality they can lead to damage for you and others.

lt is important to treat every drive with care and consideration for the sake of yourself and others.

I have been driving for over two years now and I have seen how other people drive compared to me. I have seen friends of mine drive recklessly, without care on many occasions and it is scary to experience. They have told me that they have done it before and that they are in control, yet I was still in doubt. Putting others and yourself at risk is an irresponsible act and can affect people’s trust in you. Even if it is a dare, it is not worth losing people and their trust. I was always taught to be the driver that people want to ride with.

As a driver, I strive to be aware of my surroundings and engage in defensive driving. I also abide by the speed limit. There have been times where a car was driving close to me, because they were exceeding the speed limit, I allowed them to go around me, so I am not distracted by them. I am extra careful, especially in school zones. A majority of the children who walk or ride their bikes to school in my town are very young kids who are not always aware of their surroundings. Because of this, I always attempt to give them as much room as possible and go fifteen miles per hour in school zones. I apply the same precautions to every type of pedestrian such as bikers, skaters, and people who are walking or running. I give them as much room as possible, so they feel safe and secure. Small things like this need to be stressed in every driver’s mind in order to make the world a safer place for pedestrians and other driver