Behind the Wheel

When you attend drivers ed, you learn not only textbook material and basic knowledge but you also learn the simple yet vital steps to becoming a safe and smart driver. You are given real life situations, and in some cases, some mathematical equations to show how unsafe driving can result in fatalities.

While there are several steps to reduce the number of deaths from driving each year, the most important thing that an educator or a parent/guardian can do is to ensure that their newly licensed driver is properly trained on how to operate a vehicle safely. On top of that, when you are issued your provisional license, you have the ability not only to speak up when you think your driver is making an irresponsible choice, but you can also prevent a terrible accident from occurring if you can step up and take control of the wheel.

A year ago, I was involved in a minor accident, only I wasn’t the driver. I was attending my drivers ed class, and it was one of the days in which we were supposed to practice safe driving and noticing and obeying traffic laws. The driver of the car that day was just a bit too close to the car in front of her, so when that car hit the brakes, our driver didn’t have enough time to react, so when she hit her brakes, a large Lincoln SUV rear ended us at 40 mph in a 30. The car was fine, and as far as I know, everyone was fine. I was left with a minor concussion and even smaller neck issues, but it really showed everyone that day just how important safe driving really is.

If you’re unsure about something, just ask. The worst possible thing you could do is not ask and end up causing a serious crash. Silence your phone when you’re on the road. Your life, and those of the people surrounding you on the road is way more important than a text, a tweet, an Instagram post, etc. Pay attention to the road dashes- you don’t want to cut someone off where you’re not supposed to even be. Always be on the lookout for road and traffic signs! Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck in trying to get past traffic. Don’t drive if you aren’t in the condition to do so; be courteous to your passengers and to the drivers around you.