Name: Devina Malaluan
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Votes: 0
Devina
Malaluan
10/27/2019
Road
Safety
Throughout
my whole life, I was in the passenger’s seat. No, I wasn’t even
in the passenger’s seat, I was cruising in the back. That’s how
it always was. But, I knew the inevitable would come. Someday, it
would be me behind the wheel and eventually, that day arrived. Even
though I’ve been in a car my whole life, finally sitting in the
driver’s seat felt foreign to me. It was awkward being behind the
wheel, yet freeing and exhilarating. Controlling the car wasn’t how
I imagined it to be. It was harder than I thought.
When
I first got behind the wheel, I was 15. My dad was instructing me and
we were in a remote area where there were little to no cars on the
road. To my surprise, my dad was a little harsh to me when he
instructed. It was different from his usual, goofy self. Perhaps,
that’s the significance of road safety and I totally respect that.
Driver
education is significant because not only does it affect an
individual, it affects everyone on the road, including passengers.
It’s important to know traffic safety laws to prevent casualty
causing accidents. When I saw the number of driving related deaths, I
was in complete shock. This is more of a problem than I thought. I
know common factors of car accidents include texting, intoxication,
and speeding, but I never would’ve imagined what these factors
would amount to.
Good
driving habits can prevent more accidents from occurring thus,
reducing the number of driving related deaths. One good habit would
be to stop looking at electronic devices while behind the wheel. This
includes texting and phone calls. What’s the point in driving if
one’s attention isn’t fully on the road? Unfortunately, this is
one of the most common driving habits. Another preventable method is
to stop drinking and driving. This is especially an infamous driving
habit amongst young adults. It is so tragic to see someone’s life
taken by this specific habit. Not only does it affect the driver, it
affects the passengers and the victims’ families. It’s just a
terrible lose-lose situation.
Fortunately,
I have never been in a car accident. While my dad was driving
however, we’ve gotten a few close calls. He practices some bad
habits behind the wheel, such as looking at his phone and not wearing
his seatbelt. I have to admit that even I don’t wear my seatbelt at
times. I’m admitting to my bad habits and I swear it will be fixed.
As soon as I get in the car, I will put on my seatbelt. Plus, in
Hawai’i, if one gets caught for not wearing a seatbelt, there will
be an automatic fine of around $95. So, that will definitely cross my
mind whenever I get in the car. I just hope that one day, everyone
will live in harmony on the road.
