Lexi Baldwin-Eller
Winthrop University-
Freshmen

Behind
the wheel? Let's Stay Safe!
The day of my 15th
birthday: April 5th, 2014. I was so excited to take my
permit test because that meant I was finally able to be an “adult.”
I was going to be able to drive. So, on this day, I got my permit and
I was ready to rule the world (with a passenger of the passenger
seat, of course). Even though I was extremely excited to finally had
a piece of plastic that gave me the right to drive, I was terrified.
I was not as prepared to drive on a real road, behind a real car,
with real people driving next to/ beside me. It was the help of my
driving class Cruise Control that helped me become comfortable behind
the wheel.
Before I took my
driving course, I practiced driving. I drove exactly how the laws
explained. I did not run one red light or a stop sign. Over the
course of six-months, I passed my drivers test. I drove all over
Charleston, South Carolina. I would volunteer to drive any where just
to drive. I love driving and I still do. I feel so comfortable behind
the wheel because I drive distraction free, with a seatbelt on, and
with wondering eyes. I make sure to stay focused on the road and
limit my distractions as much as possible.

Since I concentrate
so much on the road, I thankfully have not been in an accident. I
keep myself safe by always wearing my seatbelt and never listening to
music too loud. It is easy to get distracted while driving and that
is why there are so many accidents and deaths relating to
automobiles. Picking up your phone and texting someone back is easy,
but that does not mean you should do it. Driving hands-free is the
smartest thing I do while driving.
To be a better
driver, I can make sure that I scan crosswalks and look around all of
my surroundings. It is easy to get distracted while driving,
especially when I have friends in the car. I think it would be
extremely beneficial to let your friends know just how much driving
safe really is. One text, or Snapchat can wait. Getting in an
accident is more work that waiting to send a text. As long as you
drive hands-free, with a seatbelt, and with awareness can only be
beneficial.