What Matters Behind the Wheel

Ean
Tsevis

What
Matters Behind the Wheel

For
most people, getting a driver’s license means a big step in gaining
more freedom. Of those people, especially teenagers and new drivers,
some picture themselves speeding around town with the windows down
and the music blaring. However, what new drivers tend to forget is
that they are operating an unforgiving, 3,000 lb bullet. As a driver,
not only is one responsible for their own life and their passengers’
lives, but also other drivers’ lives too.

The
most obvious answer to the importance of a drivers ed is to
know the rules of the road to prevent accidents and save lives.
However, it also involves being a good citizen, by setting an example
for future drivers. A little kid who sees their parents never wear a
seatbelt may never wear one for themselves when they get older. If
someone is driving recklessly and does not get caught by police,
there is still damage done to society. Young teens may watch and
become inspired to do bad things on the road when they are older, or
even worse, use their parents car to speed around while underage.

There
are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths
related to driving. There are many obvious ways, such as putting your
phone on silent and having your music quiet. However, some other
approaches are left out. For example, most drivers like to change
their music, and this can be hazardous. A solution to this is to
create a playlist consisting of songs you like and you know that you
won’t skip in the car. Another way to prevent driving deaths by
minimizing distracted driving is to secure loose objects in your car.
Phones, wallets, and other objects can fall under the seat or other
places and searching for them while driving is dangerous. 

Unfortunately,
I have experienced car accidents and I have witnessed people I know
drive irresponsibly. I have been involved in two car accidents, but
thankfully no one was hurt. The first time, I hydroplaned in the rain
into a tree at about 15 mph, and the second time, a man speeding
through a yellow light clipped me as I was making a left hand turn.
Both of these experiences taught me not only driving lessons but how
real a car accident can be and how scary it actually is. 

Some
steps that I can take to be safer on the road is to minimize my
passenger’s distractions. Oftentimes, when I pick up my friends, I
have directions to somewhere we are going and I will admit that I
glance at the map every once in a while to make sure we are on the
right path. Going forward, I will make sure that one of my passengers
has the directions open so I can focus on nothing but the road.