In the Driver's Seat

Once teenagers reach the age of fifteen, all we can think about is learning how to drive and finally getting our permit the next year. I should know, I’m also fifteen. However, what most teenagers don’t realize is how much responsibility is required driving. It’s important for teenagers to receive an adequate drivers ed for some prior knowledge of driving responsibilities. A teenager needs to commit to certain obligations when a car is involved, such as knowing how to properly function the vehicle, following traffic laws, respecting other drivers, being aware of surroundings to avoid any accidents or tragedies, and making responsible choices involving their vehicle - such as not choosing to text while driving.

Achieving a drivers education significantly produces more safe drivers and reduces the number of accidents and deaths involved in a vehicle. Those who haven’t received a drivers ed or completed one are more likely to be in a calamity. For example, drivers ed teaches those to never drive under the influence of alcohol and to have a designated driver if you plan on drinking. As the years pass on, technology, the environment, and the community have been improving and evolving, including the drivers ed. With a more improved drivers ed, the better learners will absorb and follow the information they’ve received, preventing casualties. 

There are multiple steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. The first step that can be taken is to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or while on drugs. Another way to avoid tragedies is to keep yourself away from distractions. For example, no texting while driving or picking up phone calls. Also, don’t get distracted by your passengers or your surroundings. There are times when people are tempted to speed up when they’re running behind, however, lots of collisions are caused by going over the speed limit. So make sure to not drive over the speed limit. You can also use this as a motivating factor to be on-time for appointments, meetings, gatherings, etc. 

Unfortunately, I’m not able to say that I haven’t experienced being part of a car accident. The vehicle that was driving behind me rear-ended me causing damage to both our vehicles. I felt pain the next day and until this day I still feel pain due to the accident. The driver who caused the accident was being irresponsible by driving over the speed limit, not being cautious or aware of their surroundings, and not following the traffic laws. 

There are multiple easy and accommodating ways to become a better and safer driver. Such as driving into traffic slowly, being vigilant of red-light runners, observant of surroundings and pedestrians, no tailgating, being cautious during poor weather, and maintaining radio volume low.

• Leisurely drive into traffic: Look at every direction to make sure it’s safe for you to move forward or turn. It’s better to be safe than sorry; double or triple check before you’re certain to move. Be aware of blind spots. Stop, glance, and overhear. 

• Vigilant of red-light runners: Peer both ways to know that no one is passing through a yellow light or running over a red light. Once the light turns green, take a quick pause to be sure that no one is speeding by. 

• Observant of surroundings and pedestrians: Be extra cautious when driving by an area commonly known for children or animals. Children at a young age are difficult to notice through the rearview mirror, so be cautious. Also, when driving pay close attention to the cars around you in case a driver abruptly stops, swerves, or skids. 

• No tailgating: Avoid driving too closely behind the vehicle in front of you. In case the vehicle in front of you was to do a sudden movement, you would be able to think quick on your feet and avoid any collision that could’ve been possible. 

• Cautious during poor weather: It’s important to be cautious when there’s poor weather outside, such as rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, fog, etc. If it were to rain, thunderstorm, or snow, it would cause the roads to be slippery and greatly increase the chance of your vehicle steering off course if you were to drive rapidly. It could also cause a lack of visibility and distractions. Most accidents occur during harsh weather conditions. 

• Maintaining radio volume low: Having the radio volume low would help you hear and be more aware of your surroundings. For example, if you had the volume high, it would be difficult to detect any emergency vehicles (such as an ambulance, firetruck, police enforcement, etc.). It would also make it difficult to hear the pedestrians in your surroundings or other vehicles near you making a sudden stop, causing the car to screech. 

Some more extra helpful tips that could help others to become a better and safer driver is to wear seatbelts, adjust mirrors correctly, have a good grasp of the steering wheel, don’t be aggressive towards other drivers, make sure that everything a part of the vehicle is working properly, avoid driving while feeling exhausted or sick, and attentive when the weather is dreadful. These fundamental rules once practiced and prioritized, will not only ensure your safety on the road but that of others.