Saving a Life is Simple

Maren Dempsey

2020 Drivers Ed Essay Contest

Nowadays, driving is completely normal, and
quite frankly a big stepping stone for most teenagers into adulthood.
What people forget about, is the responsibility of operating a couple
ton piece of machinery. It all starts with the teaching experience
when driving is introduced in drivers ed, or before by a parent or
adult. Drivers ed is critical to teaching young drivers how to
properly handle a vehicle and ensuring the proper execution of
knowledge when on the road. When taught how to properly respond to
emergencies on the road, it could reduce risk of injury and even
possible death.

When it comes to young drivers, extending
the temporary license requirement from 6 months to 12 could be
incredibly beneficial. Knowing how to react on the road is crucial to
being a safe driver, because in the end some people will just be bad
drivers. Always paying attention and obtaining quick reflexes has
saved my life numerous times while on the road. At first I struggled
handling moments of panic while driving, but the more I practiced
along with experience, I became more confident in my ability. There
are also seat belts that are legally required and they are the number
one chance of survival in a car accident. Everytime someone gets on
the road, they are risking their life and everyones around them.
Therefore it comes with responsibility, but some people will choose
to drive intoxicated and put lives at risk. Drinking and driving is
another large section of vehicle related deaths, yet people still do
it. Friends should look out for intoxicated friends, or even people
in general should make sure someone under the influence isn’t
driving and safely returns home.

Thankfully, I have never experienced a car
accident but many, many, many of my friends and family members have.
Sadly I knew a friend who passed away due to an irresponsible driver
when we were as young as 16. Going through an event like that changed
my view on how to handle driving and I am a much better driver
because of it. Although I like to practice safe driving, not all of
my friends do. Some of them repeatedly get into accidents because of
distracted driving or just plain poor judgement. I’ve had friends
fully race down roads or just express extreme road rage, which never
ends well and should be contained to a point.

Practicing safe driving is incredibly
important seeing as driving is such a huge asset of daily life. Steps
to take to become a better driver are super simple, such as just
ensuring the use of turn signals, not speeding and wearing a
seatbelt. It is also easy to help correct your friend’s bad driving
habits, or even your families. If someone takes out their phone,
simply ask them to wait until they’re stopped or offer to text for
them. Sometimes saving a life is as simple as practicing safe habits
behind the wheel.