Sharing Knowledge Behind the Wheel

As
I was working towards earning my driver’s license, I did not feel
like drivers ed was necessary for me. Both of my parents
were excellent drivers and I felt as though I had learned everything
I needed from the best. What more could drivers ed teach
me? However, my outlook changed completely when I was in a car
accident and the knowledge I learned in drivers ed likely
saved my life.

Every
driver is forced to go through drivers ed. This is
certainly to save not only their own life but others as well. While
important knowledge is gained from experience behind the wheel, some
things are much better to be learned outside of the car. For example,
what to do right after an accident occurs or which circumstances you
should avoid driving because of. Learning the effects of drugs and
alcohol on the brain and their correlation to driving ability has the
potential to save thousands of lives alone. 

Saving
lives behind the wheel is a matter of spreading awareness. I believe
a lot of accidents could be prevented had the driver been more aware.
Many more things can be distracting other than cell phones such as
talking, other people, and too loud music. However, those
distractions are hardly ever mentioned. It is horrible that so many
lives are lost due to a lack of knowledge. Thankfully I survived my
accident, but many are not so lucky.

My
car accident occurred in February of 2020. It was a
freak-of-the-moment situation and luckily was determined to not be my
fault. Right after, I was stuck in the middle of traffic on one of
the busiest roads in my neighborhood during rush hour. I knew from
drivers ed that jumping out of my car into the middle of
the road was exactly what not to do. I stayed in my car until the
police arrived and were able to safely stop traffic for me to exit. I
knew not to panic, and the most important factor was that I was alive
and unharmed; a car is just a possession. I truly attribute surviving
that terrible moment to what I learned in drivers ed. 

Moving
forward from that event, I now am even more of a cautious driver.
There is no point in making a “risky turn” or pushing a yellow
light. Driving is not only a privilege but a risk. I put my life into
my own hands every time I step into the driver’s seat. Now when I
see my friends glance down at their phone or turn their heads for a
conversation, I say something. I have the power to save my friend’s
lives. The only way to spread advocacy is to speak out to all, even
if it is awkward or uncomfortable. Life is more important than being
afraid to confront a dangerous situation. Drivers ed has
prepared me to face this situation and overcome it. Hopefully, by
speaking out, I can save a countless number of lives.