My Pledge to be a Safe Driver

The road can be a dangerous place, and even if I am being safe it is impossible to predict what other drivers are doing or thinking. It is my responsibility to educate myself before I join other drivers in the road to prevent an accident. By paying attention when I am in the car with other drivers at an early age, I am become a careful driver. Having this intention will set me apart from others who do not follow the rules and therefore cause fatal accidents.

The first step is to ask questions, pay attention and envision myself as the driver. Wearing a seatbelt is never an option. Paying close attention to the signs, learning how to properly merge, always use my signals, fully stop at a stop sign, and respecting speed limits are ways I can help create safe roads for others. Asking questions to experienced drivers is a must. Taking driving lessons and listening carefully is highly important. Understanding that the roads can be dangerous and that I must pay attention always will make a difference.

My father was in a car accident a few years ago. We were rear ended by a drunk driver, and it resulted in the total loss of our vehicle. We were at a stop sign, and the accident impacted my life. Thankfully, none of us were seriously injured, but this accident made me passionate about becoming a careful driver. Understanding that the intoxicated driver had choices that night and still did not make the right choice really stood out to me. He could have called an Uber, a friend or family member. Instead, he caused the loss of our vehicle and required a trip to the emergency room. The worst part of this accident is that the driver drove off, and although the police caught him later, it created some fear in me for a while. Instead of letting this fear affect my future as a driver, I decided to learn more about how to be the opposite of this irresponsible driver and decided to pay more attention while I was a passenger on the road with my family.

Most kids my age spend their time on their phone or napping during a car ride. Not me. After that accident, I became more aware. I wanted to learn how people drive in different roads. I specifically became interested in how drivers act in fast paced highways and intersections. Since then, I sit in the front seat with my dad. I ask him questions. I notice when he uses his signals, when he slows down and the steps he takes to turn or merge into other lanes. I learned that if I do not pay attention now, it will be difficult to keep up later. If I want to be a responsible driver, I need to focus and see things clearly before I get on the road.

My sister and I are part of various softball travel teams, so we spend a lot of time on the road. It’s fun to not only play my favorite sport but driving for hours to get to a tournament. My father says I have become his co-pilot, alerting him when he needs to get off the road or if he is going even slightly over the speed limit. I feel just as responsible as he does when we are on the road. I point out any mistakes he makes while driving, and grabbing his phone is off limits. If we need to call someone or look something up, it’s my job as his co-pilot. His job is to drive safely so that we can get to our destination safely. I take my job very seriously.

I am almost 15 years old in less than a year I will begin my driver’s education course at school. I know that most kids my age are not thinking about driving the way I am. I want to be responsible and a role model to my peers. Accidents are not a joke, and they happen too often. They can not only cause physical damage, property damage, but also long-term mental trauma. Although I was part of a car accident, I also know a person can overcome the trauma and be determined to be a good driver. I consider myself blessed to have survived the accident with minimal injuries. I am motivated to be a safe driver and educate others on how to do the same. I know that driving is a privilege and I plan to earn my license and keep it clean by following all of the rules.