Driving
is a responsibility that all American teens look forward to at one
point. It is the passage to becoming independent. As exciting as it
may seem driving is a privilege that should be taken very seriously,
because each time someone drives they put their lives and the lives
of others on the road at risk.

Teen
drivers all over the United States are required to take a driver’s
education course. This course teaches future drivers about the
dangers of distracted and reckless driving, as well as safe driving.
The purpose of this course is to show that the majority of car
related deaths can be prevented. Teens learning to drive become
aware of the dangers and responsibilities of driving, so they can
learn to drive safely and be part of a safe driving community.

Though
driving is a daily routine for most, it is actually more dangerous
than we realize. A few things that can be done to reduce the number
of deaths related to driving include: drivers should be required to
retake a driving test, both on the road and written, every 5 years to
ensure a drivers skills remain safe and up to date; another way that
can help make the roads safer is to have a more challenging driving
course for the test that may provide enough real-life situations on
the road that need to be practiced in order to create aware and safe
drivers; and having cars that can detect or sense distracted driving,
such as texting or calling, or eating while driving. A main cause of
car accidents is distracted driving.

Thankfully
I have never personally experienced a car accident or reckless
driving while in a vehicle. I have been a witness to numerous
reckless driving habits while driving or as a passenger, for example
people pass by on the highway, texting, eating, taking phone calls,
putting on make-up, reaching over to grab things, and driving with no
hands. These are some of the irresponsible and unsafe driving habits
that lead to accidents and deaths that can be prevented. If every
driver took their privilege of driving seriously, there would be a
lot less road related accidents and deaths.

Safe
driving starts with the right mind behind the wheel, a person driving
must be responsible and aware that their actions on the road can
affect their lives and the lives of others. My commitment to be a
safe driver is to always have full attention on the road, try to
eliminate distractions such as loud music in the car, put my phone on
silent mode while driving, and above all be a defensive driver.
Hopefully by implementing safe driving habits I will be a role model
for those around me.