In
the Driver’s Seat
Kailee
Scalise

The
first moments of sitting behind the wheel of a car are filled with
many emotions. Freedom, accomplishment, independence, and the fear of
knowing one mistake can end your life or someone else. Even though
new drivers are eager to get on the road, proper instructions must be
given to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
Drivers ed is extremely important in keeping everyone in our
community safe.

Being
knowledgeable about the rules of the road will help to decrease the
death toll of reckless driving. When I first began learning to drive,
my parents registered me for driving lessons. Being with a trained
instructor provided a safe environment for me to learn in and
constant instruction which helped me to become more aware while
driving. My instructor taught me about the consequences of unsafe
driving through telling me the story of how her daughter was killed
in a car accident just four years earlier. “She left that morning
for school, and that was the last time I ever saw my little girl.”
Her words stuck with me and I knew I could not put my parents through
the struggle of losing a child from careless driving. 
I
feel that so much stress is put on young drivers being
“irresponsible” which is true for some, but even older drivers
should review the laws and be extra careful while driving. All ages
should also be smart enough not to use their phones while driving. A
ban on phone usage while driving would tremendously help with
reducing accidents and deaths from driving.
 I
have unfortunately been in two car accidents. One where a girl was
texting and didn’t realize there were three cars stopped in front
of her. The passenger in that car almost died. Her friend was being
irresponsible and almost killed her because she was texting and
driving. In the second accident, a man was on the phone while it was
raining. He hit into the side of my car, almost sending me into
opposing traffic. After both of our cars stopped and we got out, he
was practically unphased by the events that occurred. That upset me
because I know that I value my life and the lives of others and it
amazed me that someone could be so careless. 

By
demonstrating safe driving habits, you can save lives. Take
responsibility for your family members when it comes to telling them
not to drink and drive or to follow the speed limits. There are phone
apps that review road laws and countless internet sources that should
be accessed by all drivers. Reminding your friends and family to put
their phones down and to wear their seat belts seems like such a
little thing, but it can save a life.