Know the Laws, Know the Road

In recent years, it seems death and driving have been coherent-even expected-for young adults. We laugh at and admire those driving with their knees, who eat and drive, or who can rush through a red light the fastest. It might seem like a game to those behind the wheel, yet this “game” doesn’t offer three lives.

To introduce myself, I am Hannah Elberson, a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University studying Church Music and Global Ministries. With these areas of study, I aim to share with the world the importance of human life and the preservation of it. In reading these statistics, it breaks my heart to see so many precious lives taken due to driving accidents; therefore, driving education is imperative for every future and current driver. These courses show responsible ways of driving, such as, knowledge and proper use of traffic signals, signs, and lanes. This reveals that being behind the wheel is more than a way of freedom, but of duty, protecting ourselves and others from avoidable tragedies. Following driver safety guidelines from these courses is the best way to reduce accidents and deaths. Most individuals would want to know how to use a saw before they cut wood; so, shouldn’t it be the same for learning how to drive? When we dismiss instruction and guidance, the consequences are definite-especially when operating a vehicle.

Sophomore year of high school was the moment I discovered the necessity of drivers ed and of applying and respecting given traffic laws. My friend and I were in separate drivers ed classes, learning about these driving guidelines. He quit his class, informing me he already knew the material. A few weeks later, he was dead. My great friend, with all the potential in the world, was a victim to the road. He was distracted and didn’t notice traffic had stopped; in panic, he veered into incoming traffic. A direct hit. His car flew into the air and he lay overturn in the street. He was a great friend, a smart student, and a member of JROTC. He had such a future ahead of him, all to be stopped from a seemingly simple distraction. We need to value and learn from drivers ed. We should understand that these courses are to save ourselves and others from a situation like this.

To become a safer driver, I remember my friend and the devastation that was left behind. I realize that driving is a gift with responsibility, meant to both enjoy and respect. I now realize that obeying traffic lights, signs, and being a defensive driver makes all the difference in steering. In summary, know the laws, know the road. Not only are we saving lives when we are aware of what is around us, but we will also be saving our own.