Drivers Ed or Drive Dead

Sitting behind the wheel for the first time is one of the most intimidating yet exciting moments. Sadly, it can also be one of the most threatening. Distracted driving is one of the lead causes of deaths in America today. In order to stop this and reduce the numbers, we all need to make sure we educate ourselves on traffic safety through drivers ed, hold ourselves accountable, and make the roads safer for present and future generations.

Three years ago I was privileged to be a part of a drivers ed program. Many people would think of this as simply a boring class that you sit in for hours a day to learn things you already know. It was nothing like that, in fact, I learned more in that class then my parents would have been able to teach me about driving. Drivers ed made a huge impact on my safety while driving. It makes drivers more cautious and really opens their eyes to the horrible consequences that come with distracted driving.

In order to reduce the number of deaths related, we all must take a stand against distracted driving. Every time one sees their friend or relative attempting to multitask while driving, something needs to be said. So many people are scared of being judged or yelled at when confronting others, but really it is their own lives at stake.

Distracted driving has had a large impact on my family. When I was in sixth grade, my older sister’s best friend passed away in a car accident due to distracted driving. This was a very hard day for my family, and because of this accident, my brother refuses to learn how to drive today. I have witnessed many friends and family members driving unsafe, and try to put a stop to it every time. When my mom looks at her phone while driving, my sister or I simply pull it out of her hand and tell her that our lives are more important than whoever texted her. When I drive, I put my phone in the center console so I do not get distracted by it.

There are many ways to make our roads safer, but it all starts with us. There is no machine to make that will stop this from happening. We must say what we feel to make a difference. I hope that in the near future the roads will be a safer place due to friends and family taking a stand. Never forget, drivers ed or drive dead.