Name: Nicole Prast
From: Holly, MI
Votes: 0
It
Only Takes a Second
Every
teen looks forward to having the freedom of being able to drive.
However, before that can happen, you have to take a driver’s
education class and pass a driver’s road test. While the class may
be extremely tedious and seemingly pointless, it is actually a very
important factor in reducing deaths by driving. Drivers ed
teaches the fundamental rules of the road that are essential to safe
driving, such as what a blinking yellow light means or what you’re
supposed to do at a stop sign. Additionally, it gives you the skills
in operating the car that could help you avoid an accident.
My
drivers ed teacher would always tell us that you constantly
have to be a defensive driver, which means that you need to always be
aware of other drivers and expect the worst. For example, when
turning onto a busy road you might turn in front of a car that has
their blinker on to turn. However, they could be an 80-something
year-old grandma who’s had her blinker on for two miles. If this is
the case, your cars might collide. Being a defensive driver means you
don’t pull out in front of her in case she doesn’t actually turn,
which could avoid an accident.
I
was in my first car accident a couple months ago. It was honestly the
scariest moment of my life. I was in the passenger seat and the
driver ran through a stop sign that he hadn’t seen. As a result,
our car was hit on the side, and we spun out into a ditch. While the
car was completely totaled, miraculously, no one was hurt; however,
it was extremely traumatic for me. For about a week after, I
struggled with the “what ifs” and I blamed myself for not paying
more attention as a passenger – even though it was not my fault. To
make matters worse, no matter what I did, that one moment when we
were hit continued to play over and over again in my head, causing me
to lose sleep. Although it was traumatic, I don’t think I would
change anything because it gave me a perspective I wouldn’t have
without having been in an accident. The whole experience has
definitely opened my eyes to how much power is in my hands every time
I drive; running a simple stop sign or sending a small text can have
disastrous consequences.
The
first step to being safer on the road is to not take it lightly how
dangerous a car can be if it’s driven recklessly. This doesn’t
mean to be scared every time you drive, but to rather always be aware
of your own driving as well as those driving around you. Next, get
rid of all distractions -don’t use your phone, don’t touch the
radio, don’t eat your food- because it can always wait if it means
saving a life. Finally, always make driving your number-one priority
when behind the wheel. Most importantly, as you teach others safe
driving tips, make sure you are following them yourself; practice
what you preach.
