Name: Sophia Perepelitsa
From: Bellaire , Texas
Votes: 0
Upon
starting my driver’s training, I was already dissatisfied. I began
taking lessons when I was 17, since my mom had insisted that I wait
until we recovered after Hurricane Harvey. To add to my discontent, I
was unwillingly signed up for the maximum number of hours with a
professional instructor, a decision I now agree with. But at the
time, my mother’s worries were embarrassing, and when she signed me
up for a Ford Driving Skills for Life class, I begged her not to make
me go. Soon after starting my weekly instructional hours, I began to
question everything I thought I knew about driver safety. By driving
around with friends I had learned that signaling a lane change was
unnecessary, and that speeding brought fun and laughter. Music was
often played so loudly that I could barely hear my own voice. Such
memories had me questioning these new rules- was I really supposed to
check both mirrors before changing lanes? It seemed so
different than what everyone I knew was doing, therefore making the
new safety measures seem even more trivial.
Now, after almost a year of driving, I know that I will not do
anything differently for my future children. The security I felt
having that many hours of experience meant my lane changes were
smooth, my turns even, and my phone stayed put away. The expertise of
my instructors and their willingness to show me how to correctly
implement precautions is the reason why I have yet to fall victim to
distracted driving. These professionals should be readily available
to anyone learning to drive. Even though most teenagers ultimately
decide to complete a certain amount of hours with their parents, the
money spent on driving schools is a fulfilling investment. Many
adults are already stressed from work or other commitments, taking
their mind off the road and endangering both themselves and the
child. So why not leave the stress of teaching driving skills to an
eager 15-year-old to a certified instructor? In addition to
increasing the number of mandated driving hours, I believe that every
beginner driver should take part in an extra session that specializes
in safe driving, similar to the Driving Skills for Life class I
attended. Classes like this simulate dangerous road conditions which
each have their own set of skills that should be learned by anyone.
Even many adults themselves lack the knowledge of proper procedures
in cases of hydroplaning or skidding, providing an incentive for them
to also attend. Since it is impossible to predict when scary
conditions will occur on the road, knowing what to do will bring
peace of mind for both the teenager and the parent. Ultimately,
participating in as many classes as possible coupled with extra
safety sessions provides a sense of responsibility and self-control
for an individual, creating the rare blend of a safe and educated
driver.
