Name: Silvia Yuritzi Maciel Garcia
From: San Jose , CA
Votes: 0
Be Aware
One of the most exciting things
as a teenager is learning how to drive and obtain a driver’s
license. Learning how to operate a vehicle as a teenager makes you
feel like you have more responsibility and makes you feel more of an
adult. I can recall being extremely happy after my 16th
birthday because that meant I was now able to learn how to drive.
However, a tragic event that occurred my Sophomore year in high
school drastically changed the enthusiasm I had for driving.
Unfortunately, one of my classmates lost her life at the age of 17
while driving back home after school. Making mature decisions as a
teen may be challenging, specially when not warned about the
consequences certain choices may have. The cause of the car accident
that ended my classmate’s life was her being distracted by her
phone and not being aware of her surroundings. Learning about her
death was traumatic to me and the idea of learning how to drive
terrified me.
Drivers ed is crucial in
reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Being educated
on how to safely operate a vehicle can definitely reduce the number
of deaths as a result of driving. Constantly implementing the rules
of what should not be done while behind the wheel can save the
drivers life and any other life that may be at risk due to
irresponsible choices. Unluckily, many teenagers do not learn the
importance of rules such as no texting and driving because they did
not obtain proper drivers ed. Many individuals do not go to
drivers ed to learn the skills and knowledge about
operating a vehicle. Making it a mandatory law that all individuals
who want to obtain a license must attend drivers’ education can be
a step to reduce the number of deaths caused by driving.
I have not experienced being in a
car accident, but I did witness a realistic car accident scene.
Sadly, a vast majority of the time we do not listen and learn until
we experience first hand an event such as a car accident caused by
irresponsible choices. Programs such as “Every 15 Minutes” can be
an educational tool to demonstrate real life experiences without real
life risks. A year after my classmates’ death this powerful program
was assembled in my high school and allowed for students to think
about the number of deaths that occur due to drinking and texting
while driving. This program also teaches students about personal
safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives
are involved. It is an emotional and heart-wrenching event as the
program is very realistic and involves the participation of
participation of the Police and Fire Departments, High School Staff,
Local Hospital, Video Production Crew, Community Officials, District
Attorney’s Office, and Funeral Homes. Programs such as “Every 15
Minutes” can be powerful to reduce the number of deaths related to
driving.
To become a better and safer
driver I can start by putting my phone away to avoid being
distracted. This is something I can also tell others to help them be
better drivers. I can also, avoid driving when I am tired and or pull
over to the side if I feel like I am too sleepy to drive. The most
important step I can take is to value my life and the life of others
by not engaging in activities that will put at risk lives, such as
drinking and driving or riding with someone who has been drinking.
