Safe Driving in Our Lives

Safe Driving in Our Lives

By Gabriela Londono 03/31/20

Driving gives such a great sense of freedom. Most people take driving
for granted, when it’s a privilege, it is an act that inspires
freedom; like watching the world passing through, making us think we
can go anywhere. I love to see people driving their vehicles to their
unknown destinations, seeming as they are in control. However, this
vehicle can turn into a deadly, crippling, debilitating, painful
weapon: killing or injuring you and others in an instant. As a 15
year old, I just want to hop in a car and travel the world. However,
I still need a license and proper driving education. I am aware; I
would be putting at risk my life and the life of others.

Although I don’t drive on my own yet, I am pretty experienced with
all the road rules and the precautions. From a young age my father
has made me conscientious of the roads, the signals, the driving
behaviors of others and how to react. Dad reminds me: “Remember
Gaby, you are not the only one sharing the road, there are many other
moving cars surrounding you and you must be careful for your safety
and theirs. Look at the mirrors at all times, familiarize yourself
with your surrounding in a case of a sudden change in the
conditions”. Also, dad emphasizes to keep a safe distance between
cars: “There must be always ten meters between each vehicle, just
in case a car in front suddenly stops, one can react.” I felt the
consequences of not following this rule a year ago. While my dad was
driving us home from school, we were part of an accident. He
acknowledges breaking one of his rules, when several vehicles in
front abruptly stopped; his distance rule was not followed (not
taking into account the sliding due tires needing replacement, a task
left on the wishing list). This experience reminds me a not so
gentle advice from dad: being close to a vehicle in front is not the
best policy. The person originally causing the accident just kept-on
driving away as if nothing had happened. Irresponsible actions by a
driver have damaging consequences to others. In our case suffering
minor physical injures to the vehicles and us. By not wearing my
seatbelt correctly at shoulder level, I hit the seat in front,
breaking my lips on the inside due to my braces’ friction in my
mouth and a minor scrapes on my cheek and nose.

This experience alerted me that even an experienced driver must not
be overconfident, be alert at all times and make maintenance a
priority. The road is unpredictable, anything can happen in an
instant. While soaring through the roads, capturing a glimpse of the
country side views, listening to our favorite tunes, watching the
world go by: one must focus on the task at hand, be alert, follow the
rules and have a pleasant drive.