The Cost Of Driving.

Driving comes with its pros and cons. The freedom of being able to travel where your mind tells you, and having nice cars to be able to show off to others. Yet driving has many dangers that many new drivers close their eyes to when they receive their learners permit, or even their precious license. This is why learning all of the laws and rules for driving is essential to the safety of our drivers. In my opinion, Drivers-ed should be taught even before high school, so when sophomores are coming into their new high school, they are already aware of what could come with maneuvering a vehicle. It should be taught for two years consecutively before a 15 year old student can get their learners permit and complete the requirements to get their drivers’ license.

Driving was always my dream as a kid. I always wanted to be sixteen so I could legally drive a car. Now, as a seventeen year old, I see driving as another way to not come back home safe. Driving is scary. As I leave and get on the road, I always wonder if it will be the last day I will see my family, my friends, and not be able to continue my life as a normal teenager.

A day I will never forget is the day we were first involved in a car crash. As we were leaving the place we were just downtown in Salt Lake City Utah, we felt hungry… I was with my family, a family of five in a white van, we came to a stop close to where the restaurant we searched for was. As we were having normal conversations, we suddenly felt our bodies move forward, then back, and then forward again… Our family was hit by a woman who was looking at her phone, texting her son. The day will never leave my mind.

Life after that crash was different and uncomfortable, having to go to the chiropractor two times a week was the most annoying and tiring thing we’ve had to deal with in a long time. Our necks, backs, and shoulders were all in pain due to the whiplash, and the seatbelts doing their best to save us. If only that woman had stopped her car to text her son instead of doing one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Life has no spare tire, this is why we must take driving seriously.

Teaching drivers consequences of illegal actions while driving such as texting, driving under the influence, or even driving a car they’re not ready to handle, is one of the best things we could all do for our own safety. According to the Utah Highway Safety Office “In 2018 there were 62,074 motor vehicle crashes on public roadways in Utah, resulting in 25,645 injured and 260 deaths.” I can assure the reader the number has not decreased over the four years. I have seen people falling asleep in the driver’s seat with a set of kids in the back. I have seen people vape, and even do their makeup while driving. Everything that you do that is not driving carefully is a distraction. Picking up your phone to play the new album by the Lumineers is as deadly as closing your eyes for 5 seconds going 60 miles per hour.

Driving at night, inexperienced drivers, weather conditions, all affect the way we get on the road and get back home. Awareness, following the rules, and having caution will help us overcome these challenges when we’re out on the road. There are apps that will help us not be distracted behind the wheel. IPhone even has a setting to turn off those killing notifications while out on the road.

As drivers, we have to understand that we’re not by ourselves out there, and there’s humans, families, kids, and even animals that are in danger because of our actions. I have to recommend to everyone out there planning to drive soon to take classes first. Be prepared for everything that plastic card will bring your way. Learn about cars, be one with the car you’re driving, and don’t drive if you know you’re not prepared. It will cause pain, sorrow, and trauma not only for whom you can affect, but for you as well. Have fun, enjoy, and travel, but always remember that safety comes first. “Road safety is state of mind, accident is absencense of mind.” – Drive Carefully Quotes.