Behind the Wheel

As a teenager, one of the biggest things a kid is excited for is getting their license. There's a sense of freedom that comes with it. Kids are now able to drive their friends around to go do things. They do not have to rely on their parents to take them everywhere to meet up with friends and hang out. With their own personal freedom and fun, there's also a lot of responsibility that comes with it. Kids are now equipped with a weapon of destruction, and have a higher risk of putting themselves or others in danger. There are many risks that come with driving, but if a child is taught the steps it takes to be a safe driver, the roads would be a much safer place.

If a child knows the risks that come with driving, they will become more cautious. Drivers ed is important in a child’s life because it teaches them the safest and the correct way to drive. It allows them to realize what risks can come with their mistakes, and how their lives could be changed by looking at a phone screen to send a text or by driving under the influence. The steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths is informing the drivers. The risks that come with driving shouldnt be sugar coated and everyone should know the truth.

I've had one experience of almost being hit head on by a drunk driver. My mom, brother, and I were headed home from a day of shopping late at night. I was sitting in the passenger's seat while my mom was driving. I looked up from my phone and saw headlights heading right towards us. My mom quickly swerved over to the right side of the road and went off of it a little bit. Luckily, the only part of our car that was damaged was the drivers side mirror. If my mom hadn't noticed the lights heading right towards us, I might not be writing this essay right now. It was later revealed that the driver was high and intoxicated, and had knocked out multiple mailboxes. It is crazy to think how much damage someone can do with a vehicle while sober, let alone when they have no control of their own mind and body.

The steps I can take to become a better driver is to first be knowledgeable on what could happen if I had a lapse of judgement. If I was to text and drive, I would end up injuring myself or many others. To help others become safer, you should call them out and teach them the choices they make have consequences. One bad mistake can change a person's entire life for the worst. Someone could be sent to prison for years for involuntary manslaughter, all because of trying to send one text message. Everyone always says, “that'll never happen to me.” What if one day, it is you, or what if one day someone who is texting or driving kills someone from your family? Don't let that person be you. Know the risks that one mistake can have, and make the roads a better place, for everybody.