Maneuver Your Future

I was leaving the barbershop. I couldn’t wait to get home; the barbershop was less than 10 minutes away from my house. I got in my car, connected my phone to the aux port, buckled my seatbelt, and sped out the parking lot. At the stop light, there was two lanes. One to only turn left and another to only proceed straight. I was in the proceed straight lane, but I wanted to turn left. Once that light turns green, my plan was to speed up and cut off the driver to the left of me. Music blasting in the car and my foot barely on the breaks, I stomped on the gas and aggressively jerked my wheel left. All I heard was an awful loud noise like a knife in a pencil sharpener as my car began to dig into the other vehicle’s side door. Screaming in my car, I pulled back right and accelerated straight into a parking lot plaza. The other driver involved didn’t remain at the scene and proceeded left. I was so much disbelief. I immediately got out the car to check the damage and call my mom. Despite not being injured, I was so embarrassed that I was furious with myself. Until my mom arrived, I just stared at my reflection within the crater-like dent pushed into my car.

Driving is what you make of it. You are behind the wheel; therefore, your future depends on the choices you make. This justifies the importance of driving education before heading on the road. The two principles regarding the importance of driving education are to ensure drivers are following road safety rules and taking the proper road safety measures when behind the wheel. Ensuring this would reduce the number of road collision deaths. Before I got my driver’s license, I attended the Florida Safety Council where I completed 3 two-hour drivers ed training. Even though I was taught road safety rules, I got arrogant and believed I would never get in a car accident because I passed drivers ed school. Ever since, I recognize that as a driver, I’m responsible for the safety of those in the vehicle, those around me, and of course my own safety.

No number of deaths related to driving is acceptable. In fact, no driver wants to be in a car crash, yet still thousands of people are losing their lives each year. However, there are steps that can be done to reduce any number of deaths related to driving. Taking an online driver’s ed course and attending driver’s ed school are two beneficial steps to educate yourself on road safety and guidelines. Also, assessing yourself is another beneficial step. Before driving, assess yourself by revaluating your ability to be on the road. Drivers should have two goals. One being, get to your destination and two being, get there safe. By following these steps, those goals can be met and even lessen the number of deaths related to driving.

The accident I caused made me realize how irresponsible I was driving. Once I got my driver’s license, I took the necessary safety precautions, but over time I got this sense of freedom and relied on luck instead of safety. To improve my driving, I’ve decided to reapply the steps I used to take. The first step is to be responsible with time management. There’s been times where I drive in a rush because I don’t have much time to get to work or school. By managing my time, I wouldn’t be in a hurry and can focus more on road safety. The second step is to pre-check the vehicle. This makes sure the car is safe to be driven. For example, I would readjust the rear and side view mirrors and check if the seatbelt buckles. The third step is self-evaluation. This step is all about making sure I can drive by asking myself questions. Evaluating your current mood, intoxication, and drowsiness can help confirm if it’s safe to drive. However, I am not only one driving on the road and I can take steps to help others improve their driving too. When I am a passenger in a vehicle with family or friends, I can take the step to eliminate all potential distractions. By holding onto the driver’s cell phone or even limiting conversation with the driver can be beneficial. Another step I can take to help others is being a second pair of eyes. Observing the surroundings of the vehicle and being a second pair of eyes can better the safety of the driver and yourself. All these steps are significant towards creating a safer environment on the road and it all starts with your choices. You decide how you drive, and you maneuver your future.