The
first time I was in a car that had been rear ended, all I could think
about was how bad the accident could have been if speeds were higher.
Ever since that happened, I have always wanted to be a safe driver to
protect myself and others, because I knew how hurt someone could get
in a car accident. Driving a car is a very dangerous thing, because
lack of concentration– even for a split second– can cause chaos
that could lead to the death of a loved one. After a lot of driving
practice from age 15-18, I became more confident in my driving and
decided to invest more time into driving by joining a high
performance driving education organization, also known as “HPDE.”
This type of education allows you to go onto a race track with your
own car and push the limits of yourself and your car to see how you
would react in that type of situation. On the race track, you are
taught self-control, car control and awareness of your surroundings
which are also highly important skills you need when driving on the
street. Driving
on the street
there are many unexpected variables that could put you in danger. So
you have to be prepared for the unexpected, which was one of the
first things my Dad taught me when I first learned how to drive.


Some
steps people should follow to reduce deaths by car accidents are a
simple “no” when offered an alcoholic drink, or putting your
phone on silent. In the past couple years, thousands of
automobile-related deaths have been related to driving under the
influence or use of a handheld device. Both of these tasks alter your
focus on the road, therefore putting everyone in your surroundings in
danger. Many people think they are good at multitasking while
driving, but it just takes one mistake to potentially end a life.


I
have experienced one of my friends crashing his car off a mountain,
luckily both driver and passenger were safe but seeing it happen was
horrific. While new to driving a manual vehicle, he went off the side
of a mountain because he still didn’t know how to handle the car
and control it on a mountain road. When going faster than the posted
speed limit, focus must be increased even more and you have to be
ready for whatever can happen. This accident showed me why
self-control is very important while driving, especially with a
passenger.


Self-control
and awareness are the two things you need to keep yourself and others
around you safe while driving. Following the driving laws are very
important not just for you but the cars in your surroundings. Also,
driving with a passenger should always make you even more focused
because their safety is in your hands. Remember, it only takes one
second for you to put your own or someone else’s life in danger.