A Patient Driver is a Better Driver

 I have seen so many so many accidents, almost accidents and road rage situations on my daily ride to school for years. From kindergarten through middle school my daily commute was 30 miles each way but that 30 miles meant being stuck in I95 traffic for over an hour. I always wondered why there would be so many accidents and how we avoided having any even though we were always on the road. Other than commuting to school, I would have dance competitions in other states and other various activities that meant I was always in the car. Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to have avoided being in an accident myself, but I have been in plenty of near accident moments.

After receiving my permit last year my mother made sure that wherever we went that I would drive. She gave tips on not only driving but on confusing street signs or areas that she had seen more accidents and what to watch out for. I also took driving lessons and virtual classes through a local driving school before taking my test for my driver’s license. As comfortable as I felt being the passenger when my parents drove, I realized that it is a whole different level of responsibility to driving by myself. Not only am I responsible for my own life but I am responsible for driving safety so as not to cause an accident for someone else.

One of the driver’s education classes that stood out to me was when we had to have our parents attend. We were shown a video about a basketball player who was hit and killed by a drunk driver. My mother cried and I felt such sadness watching that video realizing that someone’s life could be taken in this manner. This wasn’t a movie it was a real person that had a real family who was deeply affected. I developed my thoughts on driving under the influence at that moment. I believe that once a year everyone should be forced to watch a video showing the impacts and affects of driving under the influence. I also believe that if you are caught driving under the influence you should pay a large fee to an organization that deals with DUI’s and have your license or car taken away at even the first instance. I now think that texting while driving should be added to this punishment. With stricter punishment maybe it would make drivers think before getting on the road impaired or looking at their phone while driving.

I am a beginner driver and can already tell how distracted people are on the road or in a hurry. The light will turn red and I can see that the driver in front of me is looking down at their phone. My parents have always told me to wait 2-3 seconds at a red light before proceeding and I think that is good advice that everyone should follow. They said not to worry if someone beeps but to wait and make sure that I look both ways before going.  Being a patient driver means being a better driver. You avoid so many close accidents and potential road rage incidents by taking your time. I leave home early to get to my destination so that I don’t’ feel stressed because I am running late. I share these safety tips with my friends who have not gotten their license yet and I refer them to the driving school. I let them know that I practiced driving with parents a lot, but I was taught things that my parents may have forgotten at the driving school. They also taught me the correct technique and certain things about the laws while driving.

While I have not gotten into an accident, I do know a friend who hit someone from the back after only having their license for a few weeks. My friend explained that she was probably too close and instead of waiting for the driver to go she went when the light turned instead of waiting. My friend explained how terrifying it was even though there was no damage to the cars. That’s an example where being patient may have helped my friend avoid being in this situation.

The knowledge and driving experience that comes from attending a driver’s education class is very important in my opinion and helps with feeling more comfortable once you are in the driver’s seat. I would suggest that all new drivers attend an official class because you cannot get the same information on your own. I will continue to share the information learned from class with new drivers that I know.