In the Driver's Seat

By: Courtney Wortman

When I turned sixteen I was very excited to get behind the wheel. My parents went over every rule in the book, which I believe has made me the good driver I am today. The importance of drivers ed really teaches the student drivers that you have to be serious and responsible when you are sitting in the driver's seat. You can't be goofing around, or else it could end in your death or someone else's. People should always be aware of the dangers of driving.

Humans have always tried to reduce the risk of driving, whether it be by upgrading the car itself or attempting to inform the public about the safety of driving through commercials and radio ads. As these have been somewhat effective, there is still a percentage of the people that don't know all the safety rules or just don't care enough to memorize them all. In order to keep more people safe on the road I suggest that we start informing the people before they even hit the streets. All over the country high schools require students to take specific classes in order to graduate. I propose that every student should be required to take a drivers education course in order to graduate. This will ensure that every teenager will know and have learned the rules of the road before they obtain their own driving habits.

I would consider myself a responsible and safe driver. I follow the rules or the road and constantly keep my surroundings in check. I have never been in car accident but sadly one of my friends has, and luckily came out alright. While driving in a construction zone, she got confused on which way the road was taking her and ended up turning when she wasn't supposed to and cut in front of the car resulting in colliding head on. Although it is very unfortunate that she had to go through this I think it is a good example of knowing where to go, especially when driving in confusing construction zones. This accident really opened all our eyes about staying alert and clam when not knowing what to do on the road.

Being taught at an early age about safe driving really helped me prepare for the busy roads ahead. Always paying attention to the speed limits and road signs and staying off their cell phones is a good start to becoming a safe driver and is what everybody should be doing while they're driving. Driving sober is also a incredibly important rule to follow before you get behind the wheel. If you see someone who is driving intoxicated or is attempting to get in the driver's seat you should immediately stop them and inform them what they're doing is wrong and could seriously injury themselves or others. Everyone should be striving to be the best driver they can be and be advocating to others about being a safe and responsible driver.