My
father nearly died at 19 years old in a car accident. He broke 8
ribs, his arm, and managed to put his head through the windshield
resulting in a large scar on his forehead still visible today. He was
distracted with passengers in his car as he took an offramp above the
speed limit and rear ended a semi truck going far below the speed
limit. This was a story I heard growing up and after being a
passenger in a car accident at 15 with a friend who totalled her car
on the freeway I felt an immense amount of pressure regarding the
responsibilities of operating a vehicle. The day I received my
license I was told that I was now responsible for a deadly weapon.


My
friends always described driving as a symbol of freedom and
independence, however with the carefree ideology neglected the chore
of understand the responsibilities of being the driver. By taking on
the role of the driver you assume responsibility for the lives of
your passengers and anyone who you may harm with one of the most
deadly weapons in America. Through drivers ed, I feel that
driving can find its balance between freedom and responsibility in a
way many experienced drivers feel is familiar. By increasing the
amount driver support we will be able to change the way drivers
understand the safest ways to enjoy their freedom and independence on
the road. If we made information more accessible and helpful for
drivers through advancing technology we should never have a driver
questioning the way to handle any situation. If a driver or
passenger is equipped with easily accessible information, they would
be able to ask real time questions regarding their safety and be able
to learn how to deal with unpredictable scenarios that can be hard to
prepare for. Although having common lessons and tests can prepare
drivers for their basic skills it is vital that everyone has the
support they need in any situation, whether it is understanding the
consequences of driving under the influence or how to deal with a
tire with low air pressure.

As
I learned through many focused drives to school with the volume on my
radio turned low and my hands at 10 and 2, a visulant driver is a
good driver. By being visualant of other drivers, you will better
understand all of your surroundings. While focusing on your
surroundings and seeing the other vehicles around you, you will
naturally go slower and take better notice of the road conditions. In
doing so this will make you a better driver as you will be able to
avoid reckless drivers coming up behind you, potholes and obstacles
in front of you, and the distractions of passengers all around you.
Being observant will also help you tune into small but vital details
such as your passengers not wearing seatbelts, understanding not to
drive while under the influence, and avoid being struck by an out of
control vehicle.