Eyes Wide Open

You never believe it will happen to you until it does. You may be on the highway, you turn for one second and just like that. The roads could be icy, you go a little too fast and just like that. You look over at your passenger to chat and just like that. Just like that we become distracted – when we are distracted drivers anything could happen. It then becomes necessary to take certain steps to educate us in driving responsibly.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take drivers ed, although not every youth about to obtain their license is able too. It was something that I valued and believed was beneficial, so I saved my own money to be able to have this course. Drivers ed taught my many valuable lessons, that my parents and guardians aiding me in obtaining my license could not have taught me on my own. With drivers ed you are able to learn many lessons on how to deal with different situations you may face on the road. This is something that will lead to reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving – is simple. We must get into schools and work forces to educate not only our youth, but general adults as well. Drivers ed does so much for our communities, continuing education year after year about what it takes to be safe behind the wheel is so important. We need to be updated in many different courses and education, for example, first aid. Why are not continued to be updated in things like the dangers of distracted driving. Surely, being continuously educated on distracted driving and the new ways we can be distracted while driving – will aid in reducing the number of deaths caused by driving accidents. It’s easy to forget why we need to focus, and a refresher could easily solve that problem.

I’ve seen it all – relatives, friends, co-students struck by other vehicles, them hitting others. A most recent car crash affected my entire community. Four teenagers flipped upside down in a frozen pond all passed away. Four incredible, achieving youth whose marks will be forever left on our community. This has truly taught our community the importance of not being distracted. I knew two of them – closely and the other two; only good words had ever been spoken of them. Being focused on the road is so important. You have a whole life ahead of you, animals and family waiting at home, friends counting on plans. Stay focused, keep your eyes open and be aware.

There are many steps we can take to be better and safer drivers. Find a way to take drivers ed – no matter your age. Educate yourself continuously on the dangers of driving and the dangers of distracted driving. We can lessen the number of deaths by driving, significantly, if we put in the work.

Before I go, I wanted to tell you a bit about myself. I am a seventeen-year-old senior at Miramichi Valley High School in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. I have hopes and dreams of taking. A four-year degree in political science at an esteemed post-secondary institute. I then hope to pursue a career in Law. Spending three more years in school. I have personally been affected by distracted driving and deaths as a result of driving and will continue to push for further education for driving – no matter the age.