One Life on the Road

Emily Anderson

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Drivers Ed Online
Scholarship

16 March 2020

One Life on the Road

Everyday,
lives are taken due to the amount of inexperienced and undisciplined
drivers on

the road. Driving
accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States.
Driver’s

who put theirs, and
others lives on the line every time they pull out of their driveway.
Driver’s

who should never
even be on the road in the first place.

Driving
education is not something to be taken lightly; a simple test needed
to get your license. It is a responsibility, a privilege. When you
drive, you are behind the wheel of a moving weapon. I remember when I
took the test to become eligible to receive my permit at 15. It was a
grueling 6 hour test. If there’s one thing I remember from the test,
it’s that driving is not a game. They gave me an analogy that I
will never forget. On the road, you’re sitting in a steel torpedo
going 45 miles an hour. Your life, and the lives of those around you,
whether they be pedestrians or other drivers, are in your hands. I
cannot stress the importance of educating the next generation of
drivers. They have to be well aware of how serious the situation is.
They need to be made aware of what can happen if they “slip up,”
even just once. It’s life changing.

To reduce the
number of deaths in the United States, I think we need to improve our
drivers ed system. I’m sorry, but there are people who
are out driving who shouldn’t be. We need to make sure they are
capable of being behind the wheel first. Put them out on the road
with a certified driving instructor who will teach them the ways of
the road first hand in their own neighborhood. That will prepare them
for the final test, and then eventually they will develop the quick
thinking and defensive driving skills essential to the ways of the
road. Road’s should be

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developed further so
there is no confusion to young drivers and senior driver’s alike.
Road signs should be large and legible, and there should be a safe
lane for bikers and pedestrians alike, one that is protected from the
road. Lights should be set up along all dark and poorly lit streets.
Making it easier to drive the roads, while at the same time making it
harder to gain a license without the proper training is essential to
making sure we raise a generation of smart and responsible drivers.

All of those
tips I gave aboveapply. I live in a busy South Florida town, where
there are lots and lots of snowbirds. Snowbirds are people who come
down south in the winter when it is cold in their home state, and
warm in Florida. They are infamously known for driving extremely
slow, and often not following directions. We also have many younger
drivers who drive fast and dangerously. I’ve been cut off many
times, and even had a few close encounters to getting in a crash.
Thank God I’ve been able to navigate out of those situations with
quick thinking. However, some of my friends haven’t been so lucky.
One of my close friends was driving to school one day when he
received false assurance from another driver and pulled right out
into traffic where his car was totalled. Both drivers were okay, but
I’m sure they’ll always remember that experience for the rest of
their lives. I know for a fact how dangerous roads are and I cannot
stress enough the importance of always being alert while behind the
wheel. Don’t ever think that you’ll never be the one to get into
an accident. It can and does happen, and it will change your life.

Each of us
can do something to make sure we stay safe on the road and make it a
safer place for others. First, we need to be well aware of our
surroundings. This means put the phone down, pay attention to the
road, don’t drive if you’re emotionally upset, or especially if
you’re under the influence. Be responsible not only for your own
life, but for the lives of others.

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Remember, driving is
a privilege not to be taken for granted. Respect other drivers on the
road, and if you’re ever unsure about making that light or pulling
out into traffic, stop. It’s better to be safe than sorry. As I
stressed earlier, know the road! Know the different traffic signs and
signals relevant to a specific area, and if you have a question, ask!
You need to know what you’re doing at all times on the road.

Driving is
and will always be dangerous. We can never know what that person
across the street is thinking so that is why we must always be alert.
If we were all just a little more aware while driving, I know it
would make a huge difference. We would save so many lives. Driving is
no joke! I hope that from reading this essay, you’ll make sure to
not only just look both ways before crossing the street, but that
you’ll be on the lookout for others as well.