Eyes on the Road

Drivers have the power to take lives and even save them, all of which can happen in just a few seconds. As a future driver, it is my responsibility to stay aware, take action quickly, and recognize when others are not following the designated rules and regulations.

Learning the basics of driving benefits and protects many lives. Handling vehicles requires awareness and prompt reaction time, and Drivers’ Education has taught me to always expect the unexpected. Cars are more than transportation, they are potentially dangerous and need to be used with vigilance. No one should be able to get their drivers’ license unless they show the ability to act quickly and correctly in the midst of danger. It doesn’t matter if someone has naturally swift reflexes if they make wrong decisions, hence the importance of drivers ed. No one is born knowing everything; the best way to learn is to practice and make mistakes in a safe area where they can be corrected.

Drivers must constantly stay focused on the flow of traffic. My grandma told me to view all road users as enemies poised to attack. While her view is somewhat amusing, the truth is most drivers are concentrating on their destination. Distracted driving took the lives of over 3,000 people in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A simple strategy to reduce fatalities is to avoid texting while your hands should be on the wheel. As website Find-a-Driving-School puts it, “the car is not the place for multi-tasking”. Another method is to be a safe passenger, allowing the driver to concentrate and also providing directions if needed so the driver doesn’t need to look at their map or GPS. A good driver must be alert and follow road rules.

Driving accidents are not common in my family, with the exception of a collision that took place a year ago. A driver was coming off an exit and crashed into the rear of my grandma’s car, ramming it into a wall, injuring her, my sister, and the driver at fault. Whether or not the driver was distracted by their phone or loud music, they were not being attentive to the road. As cars speed up, so does the distance needed between them and what’s in front of them (Butler County’s Engineer Office, 2019).

For most teenagers, independence is the biggest perk about being able to drive. However, even adults who have been driving for years know that this so-called independence is costly. Having this independence means being obedient to given laws and realizing that you have an important role. As a future driver, I want to drive safely and as well as be a good passenger. I will stay aware, scan the road, and be prepared for the unexpected to happen. I hope that, despite the fact that I am only one person, I can keep other people safe by acting carefully and responsibly as a member of society.

Sources:

[email protected]. “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” NHTSA, 8 Jan. 2020, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

Butler County Engineers Office. “Safe Driving Tips.” BCEO, www.bceo.org/safedrivingtips.html.

“Top 8 Driving Tips to Avoid Accidents.” Find A Driving School, find-a-driving-school.ca/top-8-driving-tips-avoid-accidents/.