Don’t Die, Just Drive

When driving, assume you are the only one with a functioning brain. That’s the advice my family gave me when I first started driving. At first I thought they were being irrational, but after getting on the road I saw the truth behind their statements. Driving could be deadly, and one simple mistake could end a life. This is why I decided I had to take driver education.

This year I’ve had the opportunity to take a fall Drivers Ed course at my school. I was unsure about the quality of education I’d be receiving because it was all online. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the valuable lessons I was able to learn. The course taught the different dangers of driving, including drowsy driving. I never knew how dangerous it was to drive a car without getting quality sleep. The number of people who have died from falling asleep at the wheel was astounding. We learned the basics of sharing the road, the physics of driving, and basic operation. Additionally, I learned about the perils of road rage. Prior to my driver education class, I was unaware of the possible jeopardy I could put myself in with the simplest of errors. Not all the dangers of driving are well known, which is why driver education is extremely important. Not only does it bring awareness to these dangers, but it also explains ways to prevent these hazardous situations and ways to quickly escape one alive.

The quickest way to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to educate new and older drivers alike. Not enough people drive defensively and instead allow themselves to slip into bad driving habits. More teenagers should have access to driver education, but as of now, the classes are very expensive. Since teenagers are some of the most reckless drivers, driver education is a necessity. I believe that schools should incorporate free half-year driver education classes. This way every teen can have access to important education that could one day save their lives. However, teens are not the only ones who should learn the basics of driving. I find some of the worst drivers are grown adults. This could be for a range of reasons from ignorance to arrogance. A way to combat this could be targeted ads and informational commercials to refresh older drivers on safe driving techniques. It’s a less direct way of teaching that won’t make older drivers feel patronized, but still remind them to practice defensive driving and follow the rules of the road.

The first time I’d ever driven was with my mother in a target parking lot. She and my grandma taught me everything I know. While my grandma was a better teacher, my mom is the better driver. My grandma has a horrible habit of speeding and switching lanes without using her blinkers. She also exhibits aggressive driving where she excessively honks and subconsciously tailgates cars in front of us. My mother also speeds sometimes but I trust her driving skills. She’s been able to drive my family and me out of dangerous accidents and close calls. However, one day her car was totaled. While approaching a roundabout a car blew through a stop sign and hit my mother’s car. She sustained minor injuries but was now burdened with finding a new car. Another dangerous situation ocurred just a month ago where I was driving. I barely avoided an oncoming car trying to merge into my lane. Except instead of the lane they almost merged directly into the side of my car. Luckily the lane to my left was empty and I was able to swerve away. Situations like these remind me how much danger a person’s life can be in while taking a simple drive to the supermarket. Not everyone practices safe driving, which is why it’s necessary to be educated on the rules of the road and defensive driving.

In order to be a safer driver I will make sure I am alert at all times. When driving I keep the radio at a low volume and make sure to silence my phone. It’s important to diminish any possible distractions for a safe drive. Another important step is to remain calm no matter the situation. No matter the annoyance from other lousy drivers on the road, the driver must refrain from reacting aggressively. I practice this by imagining everyone else on the road is a beginner too, which makes me more empathetic then angry. In risky situations it’s important to remember the lessons learned in driver education and think logically. I believe these are the best ways to stay safe while driving. I sincerely wish people are able to change their driving habits and make driving less deadly.