Better Safe Than Sorry

Anna Harveson

November 30th, 2019

Safe Driving Scholarship

Better Safe Than Sorry

When I was enrolled in Drivers Ed I was very upset with my parents; I was a safe driver! I always followed the rules, whether they were the rules for the road or anything else. I didn’t want waste two weeks of my summer sitting in a hot room for four hours a day, listening to some guy drone on and on about everything I’d previously read in the handbook. Yes, I read that thing. I know many people don’t, but once again, I follow the rules. However, after taking that class I realized it served a bigger purpose than just reiterating the book. Every day in class we looked at the statics of deaths while driving, especially in teens, and watched many heart wrenching videos. Most times I couldn’t watch them because they hurt too much to look at. I don’t know about the other kids, but the videos and pictures I saw, and the guest speakers we had scared me into driving safely every time I’m behind the wheel.

Car accidents happen for various reasons, some in the driver’s control and others unfortunately not so much. People need the education to understand what can really happen in an accident. There’s no way to know for sure until it’s experienced, but it’s better to educate now than wait for an accident. The number one most important step for safer driving I feel is to reduce distracted driving. Distractions can come from anywhere, whether it’s food, changing music, a loud friend, or a cell phone. I know I’m guilty of it too, just like everybody else. I don’t stare at my phone while behind the wheel, but I will send a short text at a stoplight, turn to look at my friend while talking to her, or down a quick drink of water. I’ve found that I drive safer when my parents are in the car. I’m less likely to give into distractions and I drive safer and more alert. Reducing these distractions will help everyone drive safer.

Luckily I have not had to watch my friends or family get into a serious car accident. However, some of my friends drive irresponsibly and quite frankly, it is scary. Two of my closest friends always drive with their cell phone in their hand. I get snapchats of them at the wheel in a moving car. I always tell them to put their phone away but they hit me with how they’re a responsible and alert driver, nothing will happen. That does not guarantee that nothing will happen. Some friends also like to mess around at the wheel, like swerving when it’s unnecessary or driving above the speed limit. My friends never let me drive because I follow the rules and get us where we need to be safely.

I’m definitely not perfect when it comes to driving. In order to be a better driver, I need to put my phone and other distractions away before driving. I need to pay attention to the road at all times and not let my focus drop. With my friends and family, I can encourage them to drive safer if I’m with them and they aren’t driving safe. My little sister is fourteen and soon she’ll be hitting the roads. I drive with her all the time and I need to set a good example to make sure she stays safe.