Drive smart

Have you ever seen a newborn infant sprint to the finish line of the World Olympics? Neither have I. When a baby is born, he or she must crawl before they can learn to walk. Toddlers eventually develop the ability to run, but they have a few falls here and there. Even fully grown adults lose their balance sometimes. This sequence of common sense is critically applicable to becoming a responsible driver. If you wouldn’t let a two year old behind the wheel of a new car, what makes you think it’s safe to drive a vehicle without taking the necessary precautions?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “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.” New drivers are especially at risk of becoming victims of this statistic. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources that help prevent this. Driver education is essential to the safety of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. One must understand their vehicle’s functions and maintenance, as well as the rules and regulations of the roads they are privileged to use. Educational courses offer the opportunity to learn and understand driving etiquette without exposing anyone to dangerous conditions. As new drivers begin to develop their skills to maneuver a car under varied circumstances, they are taught the fundamentals of driving such as traffic laws, road signs, and right of way.

It is equally crucial to understand the importance of refraining from aggressive driving. Drivers Ed. enforces individual responsibility by emphasizing that roads must be shared, and educating students about the dangers of driving under the influence. One’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is greatly impacted when influenced by drugs, alcohol, fatigue, and even disordered emotions. Those who choose to drive under such hazardous conditions are far more likely to surpass speed limits, tailgate, fail to heed traffic signs, disregard laws, be fined for violations, receive points on their license, and be involved in fatal collisions. Distracted driving risks the same consequences. For these reasons, drivers ed courses also emphasize that a license can be taken away as easily as it is obtained.

Nothing is worth taking such a risk. As a high school student, this concept went over my head. I was so caught up in appearances that I prioritized my social image over my own safety. Whenever my friends were riding with me, I’d anxiously fumble through my phone, looking for the next best song rather than focusing on the road ahead of me. On some occasions I’d focus my eyes on the road, but would still be distracted by our rowdy conversations. One night I was home alone and decided I’d go to a party. Anyone who’s taken Georgia driver’s education courses would know that the state prohibits 16 year olds from driving between midnight and five am. Though I was a new driver and the sun had set hours ago, my fear of missing out was enough to convince me to grab the keys to my older brother’s Toyota and head out the door. A few hours later, I opened my eyes in the hospital. Needless to say, the party was not worth it.

This is only one example of what happens when drivers put their well being on the back burner. It is often thought that as long as a person is sober, they’re driving safely. That is far from the truth. To be a responsible driver, one must truly value their life as well as their rights, and respect the lives and rights of others. Having a license is a privalige that is often taken for granted. People with disabilities do not always have the same luxury. I was blessed to walk out of the hospital healthy and injury free. Not all victims and perpetrators of reckless driving can say the same.

Since the accident, I vowed to never use my driving privileges in ways that would put myself or others in harm’s way. In addition to completing a driver’s ed. course, I put an end to the bad habits I had once engaged in. My friends and I made a pact to keep conversation to a minimum while on the road, keep notifications off, and make our commutes text free. To my surprise, my dedication to becoming a safe driver brought us closer together. Perhaps if I had focused on what was most important from the beginning, these lessons would’ve come to me much easier.

If I could turn back the hands of time and tell myself what I know now, I definitely would, but we all know time travel only exists in movies. That is why I strongly encourage new drivers ,like my little brother, to take preventative measures. Being a safe driver can be as simple as being mindful of yourself, your surroundings and the signs you see. If you are in a frantic or distracted mindset, pause and catch your breath before you start the car. Taking the time to pre-arrange your music and destination before you leave can also make all the difference. Last but not least, be selective about who you allow in your car. Any passenger who cannot respect protective rules is not worth the risk. Every decision you make is a critical one, so drive like your life depends on it.