2024 Driver Education Round 1
Being a Defensive Driver
Pete Nicholas Rahas
Columbus, Ohio
Steps that need to be taken by drivers around the country to reduce driving deaths are a few main points. First, drivers need to make sure they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving unsober is against the law and extremely unsafe for everyone on the road while you are driving. Drugs and alcohol throw off your sense of stability and central direction that is why people start to swerve as they drive. Second, drivers need to make sure they get all their simple duties out of the way before they drive. Distracted drivers are the cause of a lot of deadly accidents in this country. People who are on their phones, messing around with their friends, doing makeup, eating food, looking at stuff on the side of the road, etc. It is our job as drivers to lock in and pay attention to the road and how you are driving, it is the safest route possible. Also, drivers need to watch the way they are driving and where they are at. Speeders cause the deadliest accidents in the news. So, drivers must watch their speed and make sure they are not speeding in all different zones. Being vigilant and alert are traits that are needed when driving on the roads in America. It is vital to follow these rules to be very safe while driving, preventing you or your loved ones from getting hurt.
I have dealt with a car accident that took the life of my friend the summer of my senior year of high school. It was a devastating time for me and my friends the summer before we all went off to college or began to work after high school. My friend was in the car with two of his friends and the driver of the car was under the influence of drugs and drove a car one hundred miles per hour into a brick building. The passenger and my friend who was seated in the back seat both died instantly. The driver broke most of her body and was sentenced to fifth teen to life in prison. Three lives ruined by a mistake made by the driver to drive a car under the influence of drugs. That was a cold summer, me and my friends were all shocked about what had happened. It affected not only us by the families of the victims were devastated. It is so sad to see a family that I grew up with, be so devastated in the moment they looked hopeless. All this pain and agony came up because of the negligent driving habits of one person. This is the responsibility that comes with having your license in this country. The responsibility of people’s lives that you have in your car while driving. I will never forget that moment in my life like most do, and always remember not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
I have learned a lot through my twenty years of life about how to be a responsible driver. For me to be a safe driver I need to drive sober, undistracted, calm, and alert. Being a defensive driver is what it means to follow these rules. You can only control what you can control on the road. Preparing yourself for other inconsiderate drivers is a part of your job as a defensive driver. It would be awesome if every driver drove safely and responsibly, but that is just not the case. To keep you and your passengers safe you must be a defensive driver on the road. If more people, follow this path there will be fewer deaths from driving accidents in the country. It is everyone’s responsibility, we must all be better drivers at the end of the day, to keep everyone safe.
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