Name: Bethany Breanna Corner
From: Bluefield, Virginia
Votes: 0
Running head: IN
THE DRIVER’S 1
In
the Driver’s Seat
Bethany
Corner
Graham
High School
10/30/19
Thinking back to sophomore year of high school, I can remember
sitting in my drivers ed class and wondering what the point
of it was. I didn’t realize then that it was more than just a class
I was being forced to take in order to graduate. In fact, later that
year I would learn that it was something much more than that. It was
something that would impact and influence the rest of my life and all
of those around me. Driving is an extremely dangerous privilege.
Every year there is a multitude of deaths associated with driving and
young drivers run this risk the greatest. In this sophomore class, I
learned that the class was created to limit these car related deaths,
starting with the most inexperienced. Drivers ed is
important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving
because it teaches drivers how to be safe on the roads. These courses
teach people about the consequences of unsafe driving habits and how
to avoid them. Drivers ed instills its students with a
strong knowledge of the roads and all of their rules, which can
ultimately help reduce the chances of fatal accidents.
There are many
steps that can be taken to reduce the number of driving related
deaths each year, including driving rested, obeying laws, and wearing
seatbelts. However, the most significant thing that can be done is to
avoid any and all distractions. Drivers should put the phones and
food down, and steer clear of any alcohol or drugs. The driver should
be present at all times and be aware of what is going on around them.
Multitasking while driving is something that should not be taken
lightly, because it is nearly impossible to juggle these tasks and
continue to drive safely.
I have never been in a car accident, but my life, along with my
hometown, has been changed forever because of irresponsible driving.
My sophomore year of high school began as any normal year, but it was
quickly changed when a person who had previously attended my school
fatally crashed one terrible night. Sitting in the auditorium the
next day, with my classmates sobbing beside of me as our principal
confirmed the rumors we had all been hearing, I then realized the
importance of drivers ed. Irresponsible driving ultimately
took the life of someone’s son, brother, and friend that year, and
it all could’ve been avoided.
As a driver, I
know my limits. I use Bluetooth for my music and follow all of the
laws that my state enforces. However, there are steps that I can take
to be a better and safer driver. As a whole, we should all be more
conscious of our personal tendencies when driving. Double-checking
before pulling out, going the speed limit, putting the phone away,
these are all examples of ways that could easily save your life one
day, because no one wants to get the call that my friend’s mother
did my sophomore year.
