Reckless Driving

Driving is something many people do everyday, and while there is a necessary class before getting a license, many seem to forget the rules of the road. When driving becomes a habit, people get careless. Many people think that they can just rely on muscle memory rather than remembering the direct precautions that were taught to keep oneself and others safe. Some may just think that their way must be better than the rules that are implied for safety, or think that their way is easier. Reckless driving hurts and/or kills people everyday. If a little more time was dedicated to driver safety education, perhaps this recklessness would decrease.

As a teenager, I have witnessed many acts of reckless driving. When some teens first get their driver’s license, they act like a kid on christmas. This is a kid that can not wait to get out and use their new toy. When one’s ego gets in the way of following the proper protocols for driving, this puts themselves and others at risk. I have witnessed friends putting themselves and complete strangers at risk. Some teenagers will even go as far as to brag about how good they are at driving while intoxicated. Not only is this incredibly irresponsible to themselves and their futures, but also to other drivers on the road. One can not control others actions on the road. The best that one can do is make sure they are driving responsibly so as to not endanger anyone else.

It all goes back to learning how to drive in drivers education for the first time. Many study the material in order to pass the test, and then cannot name basic facts about driving only months later. Written tests for driving are only required every eight years. When the time comes around, many will study for that specific test, and then not recall many facts after they have passed the test. Driver’s education is one of the few classes that most people will use every day of their lives. Many different careers will come out of the students that attend classes together in high school, but most of these people will have to drive to get to work every morning. Driving is an important life skill that many people need a proper class to refresh on these topics after high school. With the lack of classes and proper driving education available, people will use this as an excuse for not knowing the rules of the road. This is a way to excuse the many deaths and injuries that happen daily from careless driving.

Having such classes available and promoted to drivers may encourage them to look into the written rules of the road more often. Abolishing the stigma that everyone should be a great driver for life after taking one class in high school. More steps that can be taken to reduce deaths related to driving include standing against drunk driving. Teens and young adults often view driving while intoxicated as a valued skill and fun party trick. Some people can think only of themselves at moments like this, and not about what their actions may do to other people. There are many educational videos and lessons that can be taught going against drunk driving that expand on from just Drivers education. When taking Drivers education in high school, many people have never been behind a wheel at that point in their lives. But once the time comes to get their licenses, these videos or lessons are never brought up again. Many people who have been directly affected by drunk driving have stated that they never thought twice about it until driving under the influence tragically changed their lives. These topics need to be reinforced throughout life and not just for one semester in high school.

Becoming a better and safer driver includes admitting to your own mistakes. This means not brushing off small incidents that did no harm, but realizing that harm could have easily been done in another situation. Making others safer drivers can involve telling the truth, even when it is hard to hear. A close friend or family member may react differently when hearing from a loved one that they are driving dangerously. It is important to let others know that driving carelessly is not a fun activity or a way to show off. Some people seem to think that they are invincible in a vehicle, and do not care to listen to counterarguments. Reminding a careless driver that other innocent people should not have to pay for their mistakes may make some people come to their senses. Many people still treat driving like it is a toy, but it is a serious matter and needs to be treated as such. With different classes, reminders from loved ones, and many resources online as to how to drive safely and responsibly, hopefully this can provide someone with the resources they may need to save someone else’s life, or even their own.