Driver Education Initiative – Eyes Wide Open

Eyes
Wide Open

You
never believe it will happen to you until it does. You may be on the
highway, you turn for one second and just like that. The roads could
be icy, you go a little too fast and just like that. You look over at
your passenger to chat and just like that. Just like that we become
distracted – when we are distracted drivers anything could happen.
It then becomes necessary to take certain steps to educate us in
driving responsibly.

I
was fortunate enough to be able to take drivers ed, although
not every youth about to obtain their license is able too. It was
something that I valued and believed was beneficial, so I saved my
own money to be able to have this course. Drivers ed taught my
many valuable lessons, that my parents and guardians aiding me in
obtaining my license could not have taught me on my own. With
drivers ed you are able to learn many lessons on how to
deal with different situations you may face on the road. This is
something that will lead to reducing the number of deaths as a result
of driving.

Steps
that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving –
is simple. We must get into schools and work forces to educate not
only our youth, but general adults as well. Drivers ed does so
much for our communities, continuing education year after year about
what it takes to be safe behind the wheel is so important. We need to
be updated in many different courses and education, for example,
first aid. Why are not continued to be updated in things like the
dangers of distracted driving. Surely, being continuously educated on
distracted driving and the new ways we can be distracted while
driving – will aid in reducing the number of deaths caused by
driving accidents. It’s easy to forget why we need to focus, and a
refresher could easily solve that problem.

I’ve
seen it all – relatives, friends, co-students struck by other
vehicles, them hitting others. A most recent car crash affected my
entire community. Four teenagers flipped upside down in a frozen pond
all passed away. Four incredible, achieving youth whose marks will be
forever left on our community. This has truly taught our community
the importance of not being distracted. I knew two of them –
closely and the other two; only good words had ever been spoken of
them. Being focused on the road is so important. You have a whole
life ahead of you, animals and family waiting at home, friends
counting on plans. Stay focused, keep your eyes open and be aware.

There
are many steps we can take to be better and safer drivers. Find a way
to take drivers ed – no matter your age. Educate yourself
continuously on the dangers of driving and the dangers of distracted
driving. We can lessen the number of deaths by driving,
significantly, if we put in the work.

Before
I go, I wanted to tell you a bit about myself. I am a
seventeen-year-old senior at Miramichi Valley High School in
Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. I have hopes and dreams of taking.
A four-year degree in political science at an esteemed post-secondary
institute. I then hope to pursue a career in Law. Spending three more
years in school. I have personally been affected by distracted
driving and deaths as a result of driving and will continue to push
for further education for driving – no matter the age.