Drivers Education

   My sixteenth birthday was my first day of freedom. I was beyond excited to go wherever I wanted, without having to ask my mom or dad for a ride. Driving was escapism for my sixteen-year-old self. She felt the wind, tasted the freedom, and held the responsibility. Before I was whisked away by the glamorized idea of being sixteen, with my own car. I was put into driving school; a whole year of teachings and learning the ins and outs of the road. I was taught the importance of driver safety and shown real life disasters caused by distracted driving. I can confidently say that during my education process; the teachings are forever ingrained in my brain. Still to this day at eighteen I am impacted. I am so grateful for my experienced instructors, in being so thorough to newbies like myself. My instructors emphasized the weight of which drivers ed is in reducing deaths. That by teaching new drivers to fully adapt and understand the rules this will aid in the decrease of deaths. Then by using the rules, like gauging for cars and merging we can decrease fatalities with safe and focused driving. That simplicity is also key in learning about your car and signs of the road. From a simple left turn signal to making a complete stop. The difference can truly be life or death. 

  I remember my first time on the freeway, my dad was in the passenger side as I drove. This gave me confidence, reassurance that he trusted me to take him from point A to point B. I remember being so careful, being watchful and always absorbed in my surroundings. My dad was the one to teach me how to handle a car. Before my wings could spread, he nurtured them so I could soar. My knowledge, that is, he gave me steps. Steps taken so that I could, not only protect my life but others I meet alongside the road. The most significant steps he instructed me on were to help reduce the numbers of deaths related to driving. That I should first always buckle up, that will keep me from flying out the window if I crash. My body is locked and secure in a safe angle that is accessible to emergency officials, if need be. Not only that but according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, by putting on a seatbelt my risk for death and injury is reduced by 50%. Another step taught was to never be distracted by driving. To lock the phone away and stay vigilant on the road. Because you not only have your own life in your hands but the lives of others beside you. Distracted driving is deadly; in a study done by Simply Insurances, in 2018 the U.S. had over 2,800 people killed by distracted driving. An estimated 400,000 people were injured involving a distracted driver. To reduce the numbers of deaths related to driving, we can eliminate distractions by placing our phones out of sight and putting our seatbelt on. Not only protecting yourself, but others as well. Because a life outweighs the text from your best friend or a quick call. The road is fast, cars are always at a constant speed of around 65 miles per hour. You must be ready to keep speed, drive safely and always be on guard. Being completely void of distractions. 

  My senior year of high school, I was weeks away from college. Days away from graduating and starting a new chapter in my life. It was the season of new beginnings and with that comes goodbye parties. More specifically, one for my best friend Daisey. I was carpooling with a few friends, on my way to Daisy’s party. My other friend Blair was in charge of driving, she had a charcoal gray juke. Now that I look back on it, four girls packed into a compact car. Probably not the safest way to go about transportation. But we were basking in the feeling of our newfound independence. About five miles away we hit bumper-to-bumper traffic. I noticed Blair becoming very aggressive on the wheel. Swerving in and out of lanes and yelling at other drivers on the road. Not using proper signals and not at all gauging cars like she should. Her speed was increasing by the second and the rules I’d once learned were flying out the window. I was terrified, she not only was risking her life but my own and others on the road. I was so upset with Blair and her disregard for driver safety. She said she “didn’t think it was a big deal” because she “does it all the time.” It was irresponsible and lacked the driver’s morals. Safe to say I did not carpool with her again. But this taught me to not rely on other drivers to be safe. That I need to always be on the lookout for reckless drivers. 

  Nevertheless, with all the teachings and experience I have, I am so grateful for all I know today. I have the knowledge and support to be safe on the roads. Steps and rules that I will forever hold close to me are this. That one, I will always buckle up, whether I am static or moving. If my engine is on, I am protected. Rule two, is that I will not use my phone or have any objects in my hand that aren’t my wheel. Whether that be a coffee, my phone, lip liner, or a yummy snack. I will only hold the wheel and keep a ten and two. Rule three is that I stay focused and engrossed in my surroundings. I hold the responsibility; therefore, I will take ownership for that. Lastly, when I become old enough, I will never drive while under the influence. According to Bankrate in 2019, 28% of driving fatalities were due to drunk driving. By holding these teachings close to me I hope to keep myself and the people I drive alongside safe. As for helping others with driving safely. I would first like to pass my learnings onto my two younger siblings. Keeping them safe is of the utmost importance, they are my muse in safety. My younger brother will be sixteen this year and begin his journey towards independence. I want to guide him in safe driving, so that he too will be protected and pass on the wisdom learned. In regard to others, I hope to share my knowledge that I have been given. To share my experience to give light to the rights and wrongs for driving. Because your life is precious and worth a whole lot more than a quick text.