Be
ALERT

Caila
Gissentaner


July
25, 2019

I
remember when I received my license at the age of 16. As I heard the
words “you are all set!” a rush came over my body. I'm a new
driver! It's a big step into adulthood that every young adult should
expierence.You are ecstatic, and ready to put your foot on the gas!
However, there are rules that you must follow to become an excellent
and safe driver. Young drivers can experience a lot of distractions
while driving, such as texting, passengers in the car, and loud
music. Reducing the number of deaths due to driving should be a goal
of every community.


Steps
that could be taken to reduce the number of deaths could include
teaching kids as early as 14 years old that driving should be taken
very seriously. A lot of young drivers expect to get into their car,
and just ride. Most young drivers don't take certain precautionary
steps to ensure that they make it to their destination safely. For
starters, we should create more smart cars that do not allow drivers
to turn on their radio, unless they have their seatbelts on first.
Secondly, in driving classes we should make driving simulations. For
example, we should have students text and do another task, such as
writing their name on the board simultaneously. This would show
students how important it is to give your 100% attention while
driving. We should re-teach older drivers on driving safety to limit
the death rate as well. Drunk driving is very real, and it
contributes to many deaths. We should educate older drivers and
simulate what drunk driving feels like with drunk goggles. I have not
personally been in a car crash, but a few of my family members have.
My auntie specifically, rammed into the back of another car while
texting and driving. On the other hand, another car recently
rear-ended her car, and she was prescribed to wear a neck brace due
to the accident. Quite often, my father drives without his seatbelt
on and I always make sure he puts on his seatbelt when I'm riding
with him. Steps I can take to become a safer driver would be, to
always wear my seatbelt, ride with the music on a respectful volume,
and absolutely NO DISTRACTIONS! As I become a more experienced
driver, I realize that everything does not have to be rushed. Take
your time. Especially as teenagers, we are always in a rush because
most of us fail to plan ahead; in return we end up speeding and not
being as careful as we should. Some advice I would give new drivers
is to always look out for other drivers. You may believe that you are
doing your duty being a safe driver, but that's not everyone else's
priority while driving. Be on the lookout. If someone is driving
recklessly take your time. Notice the accident before it becomes an
accident. In conclusion, always be alert while driving. The text can
wait. Driving requires your full attention. Have fun and be safe on
the road!