Bearing the road for the first time can be overwhelming, even an seasoned driver can experience stress while operating a vehicle. Multitasking skills are essential to take on the road but the most important focus everyone should have is safety. Each time we get behind the wheel we need to strive for the safest experience. It’s heartbreaking how many accidents could have been avoided had the people involved taken more precautions. We shouldn’t have to live through life-threatening situations on the road as a reality check. We instead, as a collective, should understand and be prepared for anything to happen. Being proactive with our safety measures is the best way to decrease driving deaths and accidents.

If we did not have driver education the safety of drivers would be deeply impaired. To operate a vehicle, we not only have to understand the car but also understand the road and the weight of life at stake. Driver education teaches us the rules of the road and also prepares us for the safety measurements required. I think it’s very necessary to show the truth in driver education of what could potentially happen when on the road. Seeing the consequences of unsafe driving being played out becomes rooted in our minds. Learning from drivers ed in class, and on the road plays a huge part in reducing the number of deaths while driving.

There are many crucial steps that every driver needs to take to reduce the possibility of driving-related deaths. One that I think is not touched on enough is proper time management. When you rush your safety measures decrease expediently. This not only puts you at risk but all the other people in cars. Every time you and anyone else in your vehicle get in the car it’s so important to double-check that everyone’s wearing a seatbelt. It’s also necessary to take the extra time to make sure car seats are installed properly and your child is buckled in correctly. A mindset that I always keep when I’m on the road is to be on defense. It’s one thing to trust your driving skills, but it’s another to be alert about other vehicles on the road. It’s never necessary to use your phone. To change a song or read a message quickly while driving is not a wise choice. One split second with your eyes off the road can result in an unfortunate change for a lifetime or the end of one’s life. Multitasking while operating a vehicle is a terrible choice. Maintaining a safe distance between you and other vehicles is needed especially while on the highway. It’s easy to go with the flow of the rest of the crowd, but any issue could occur, causing a train of collisions. Other factors that need to be kept in mind are your drowsiness levels and the weather conditions. Overall, being mindful of yourself and others each time you get on the road will lower the chances of accidents.

In my experience driving, I have accepted that even if I am being safe at all times, anything can happen. I was involved in a small accident as I was driving through an apartment complex when someone suddenly backed up at high speed, thankfully nobody needed medical attention, but it was a reality that truly anything can happen. I have had one family member lose their life in a motorcycle accident and have known many others involved in other various accidents. My takeaway from these experiences is life is unpredictable on the road and to always be extra cautious and defensive.

After having a child, my driving changed drastically. I truly could understand the weight that being in control of a vehicle carries. I was much more relaxed in the past, not to say that I was unsafe, but now I am a very defensive driver. I always try to minimize distractions by having my music ready and not leaving places in a rush. I’m so thankful that I became a better and safer driver because I not only keep my family safe but also help others who are on the road by being mindful. I pride myself on being a safe driver and I take being behind a vehicle very seriously. I hope others do as well.

Driving on the road can be a great experience. This is how we explore the world, get from one location to another, visit friends and family, and provide for ourselves and others. We need transportation but we need safe roads. When we take the crucial steps to safe driving, we decrease the risk of accidents. Driving school is deeply necessary and it’s very important to outline the danger of the road. If there were more safe drivers our country would be a better place. I look toward the future and hope that the next generation will learn proper safety on the road and remember to apply themselves when behind the wheel.