Defensive Driver

Turning fifteen, I was super excited to get my learner’s permit; however, my family was moving to Florida so getting my permit had to wait. To earn a learner’s permit in Florida, one has to complete either a drug and alcohol test or complete the driver’s ed online class; I aced both. While taking the class, I paid enough attention to pass and vowed to never drink/text and drive, but I did not give careful attention to the lesson about basic safety around other drivers. When driving, I know to stay in my lane and to put my blinker on when switching lanes or turning. I know to stop at red lights and stop signs and to go at green lights. However, the section of being a defensive driver and paying attention to the behavior of other drivers was not a priority.

Once I got my license, I noticed how most drivers tend to be on the offensive side, not caring about others’ safety but about getting to their destination first. My first accident scare was a driver running a red light. Heading to play practice, my traffic light turned green; thankfully, I looked both ways for crossing cars before pressing the gas. Because I looked, I saw a car, running a red light, to get across in time. If I did not look, the driver would have driven right into me. This incident taught me to be aware of other drivers around me. Even though it may be your right-of-way, other drivers have different objectives than you. You are in control of yourself, not other drivers, so you need to be aware of others to take the best care of yourself and your passengers.

Barely a year later, I got into an accident. After turning onto the two-way street to get to my street, I was stuck behind a slow driver, who was going twenty in a thirty-five, and in front of a speed-hungry demon, who decided to ride my bumper. Choosing the safe and legal route, I decided to wait to turn onto my street and not cross over the double yellow lines. Indicating the turn onto my street, I started slowing down and turning into my neighborhood; the speed demon decided to drive into my blind spot and cross the double-yellow lines to pass me and the front driver. Despite slamming on my brakes and honking my horn, their back fender hit the front of my car; however, the speed demon drove away, leaving a traumatized teenage girl. Despite not getting the license plate number or an accurate description of the car, I kept myself safe from any harm. Even though I did nothing wrong and the accident should have never happened, this traumatic event taught me to be patient with other drivers, especially behind slower ones.

After being the victim to two offensive drivers, it was my turn. After a difficult and trying day at school, I was eager to head home. My friend, sister, and I got into the car into after-school traffic then turned onto one of the roads heading to my street. I stopped at the stop sign to wait for a car to keep going down the road; however, as I was pulling out, the car turned一not indicating their turn一getting in my way, which infuriated me. Not looking behind me, I put my gear shift into reverse and press on the gas; unfortunately, there was a car, honking, behind me. My car lightly tapped the sweet, understanding man’s car, thankfully, leaving no damage, but the accident was enough to scare me into realizing how important it is to stay a slow-temper, defensive driver.

One definition for defensive is, “used or intended to defend or protect” another is “something designed to protect or secure.” Being aware, patient, and slow to temper are just three of the qualities a defensive driver has to protect themselves and others around them. Being a defensive driver is the best way to keep you safe while driving a car. My car is a two-ton bullet that can kill me and others in an instant; driving reckless is not a joke. I understand now because I have been on both sides of the position, and I like being a defensive driver the best because it is truly the safest. Being a defensive driver keeps you and others either in the car or in other cars safe. If everyone一especially teenagers一 were defensive drivers, car accidents would not be such a huge killer. From now on, I will stay the defensive driver.