Be Prepared

Be
Prepared

“Move over, you’re too close to the edge of the road.” “You
did not make a complete stop and look both ways.” “You’re only
16, you don’t know it all!” “You need to always be prepared
for the next person not following the rules.” And these quotes
from my mom, in particular the words, “be prepared” remain
imbedded in my mind whenever I get behind the wheel.

Although my mom
had the ability and willingness to teach me the rules of the road,
the information taken away from a drivers ed course is
priceless. It touches base on everything from changing a flat tire
to current driving rules, and self-protective practices to law
enforcement speeches about individual accountability. The lessons
echo in my thoughts and if taken seriously can help reduce the number
of deaths that occur from driving.

If you follow a
motto such as “be prepared”, you can be a part of reducing the
number of deaths related to driving. Be prepared to put practice
into play. Be prepared to deal with an overheated vehicle and pull
off the road. Be prepared to be the designated driver. Be prepared
to spot anger on the road. Be prepared for all weather conditions.
Preparedness was taught to me at an early age and it has helped
embrace life lessons along the way, similar to the way a driver’s
education course makes you feel upon completion.

I’m very aware
that obtaining a driver’s license is a huge responsibility because
of the control I have of my life and others, whether they’re in the
car or on the road with me. Fortunately, my family and I have never
been involved in a car accident. Although I’ve witnessed
irresponsible driving in some way or another, I’ve never had a
first-hand experience, but there is a moment that is unforgettable.
I was at a stop light and I felt my car shake and began to hear a
loud muffled noise. My initial concern was that something
mechanically was wrong, until I realized the car in the lane to the
right of me (driven by a teenager resembling me or any of my
friends), was listening to music in such a loud manner, causing my
car to tremble. I was thinking how great it would be do have that
type of amplifier in my car too, music can never be loud enough! And
then I remembered…..the day in Drivers Ed, when the officer told
us of a horrific story about a young man who was driving along a
quiet back road in New Jersey, leaning toward the back of his vehicle
to amp up the volume of his music, never realizing his car was
swerving into the opposing lane of oncoming traffic, never hearing
the loud horn of the oncoming 16 wheeler, and then the music died and
sadly he did too.

Want to be a
better and safer driver? It’s simple. Be aware, be responsible, be
prepared!