Keeping Drivers’ Safety Top Priority

“All I want to do is drive!” This is the expression that
plagued my teenage mind prior to receiving my driver’s license.
At that moment in time, I did not realized the immense responsibility
that came with getting behind the wheel and operating a vehicle.
Gratefully, over the past several months of responsible driving, I
have come to realize some important lessons about driving safety I
wish I had learned earlier in my driving career.

The first lesson
I have learned is the absolute necessity of taking a driver’s
education class. These classes lay down the foundations of road
rules and instruct students how to operate their vehicle properly.
Students will have the chance to learn everything from road signs to
basic car maintenance. Although this may seem boring and
unnecessary, it is truly crucial that one takes such a class. This
is because without it, they would be an eminent danger to others and
themselves on the road.

Another valuable
lesson I have learned is to never drive distracted. From the start,
a driver must realize the power he holds when gets behind the wheel.
While a vehicle has the potential to cause enormous amounts of
damage, it is only the driver who can control such potential. Among
many others, texting is one of the top reasons of driving related
deaths in America. Distractions can never be eliminated, but they
can be significantly reduced. Whether it is turning the radio down
or pulling over to text, there are infinite ways to reduce driving
distractions, which in turn, will save lives.

Next, I learned
to speak up. Whenever I happen to be riding with an irresponsible
driver, I always attempt to kindly confront them about their driving
habits. The time is always right to speak up if you do not feel safe
or confident in the driver’s capabilities. The passengers’
safety should always be the driver’s top priority, but if it is
not, remind him of it. Never be afraid to speak up for what is safe
and right.

Lastly, I
learned to help others on the road. This includes everything from
being patient with a new driver to not cutting someone off. A spirit
of kindness is desperately lacking on today’s roads. Simply being
kind is one the best ways one can help make a difference while
driving. Although this may seem foolish, even the smallest bit of
kindness can make the biggest impact.

Driving reveals
several important lessons that should be taken to heart. While it
can seem daunting or overwhelming, operating a vehicle is actually
very simple. It is people who make it difficult by adding
distractions and other problems to the mix. Do not be one of those
people. Be a positive, responsible driver who keeps safety as top
priority.