Driving
for teenagers is one of the greatest privileges that we can receive.
We tend to focus on the newfound freedom that we gain rather than the
safety precautions that we can take to keep ourselves and others safe
on the road. We think of road trips and hanging out with friends more
than the consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking and
smoking at that party we were not even supposed to go to. This eager
attitude can negatively affect both new drivers and everyone else on
the road.

Driver
Education is important for everybody, whether they are infants,
children, teenagers, adults, or elderly. This is because no matter if
you are behind the wheel or not, you can be affected by other
drivers. Drivers ed teaches drivers, but the passenger is also
learning from your driving style. Whether you are a safe or reckless
driver, children and other passengers will gain habits from you. If
you are educated correctly on how to drive and how to make quick
decisions on the road, you will set great examples for others who
step foot in your vehicle.

One
of the greatest steps that I have taken is putting myself in the
shoes of a victim that has experienced injury or has lost a loved one
in an accident caused by a law breaking driver. I do not want myself
or others to affect of be affected by unsafe driving. Simple habits
like putting your phone on Do Not Disturb, not driving under the
influence, and being conscientious while on the road would greatly
reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

I
have not personally been in a car accident, but I have seen multiple
friends and family members being the victims and perpetrators of car
accidents. I had friends and family members losing body parts,
running into poles (from falling asleep while driving), flipping cars
(from losing control from speeding), passing away (when her uncle was
street racing and crashed into a light pole), and getting jail time
(for killing his niece in the accident). These are not all of the car
accidents that I have seen, but these are the ones that has greatly
affected me and how I drive. I do not want to ruin an innocent life,
and my family and friends do not deserve to see me or anyone else
injured or even dead.
Steps
that I can take to become a better driver as well as help others
become safer on the road is simply to obey all of the laws. I can try
harder to obey the speed limits, and control road rage. I can put my
phone in the back seat rather than keeping it in my lap (to reduce
distractions), and to be a good influence to my friends and family.
Driving is a responsibility, and not everybody deserves the right to
be on the road. Driving related fatalities is one of the top causes
of death in the U.S, and rather than just accepting that statement,
we need to work harder to make a change.