My Personal
Pledge


September
22nd,
2019 is a date that will always hold a place in my heart. This is the
day I was involved in an accident that changed my life. Another
vehicle collided with mine while I was making a left-hand turn, and
I’m eternally grateful I didn’t have any passengers in my
vehicle. Both the other driver and I made it out of the accident
alive and safe, thankfully, but I can say whole heartedly this was
the most frightening experience of my life. I reflect on an accident
that happened to two girls in my high school, and just think about
how lucky I am. The driver in this accident had a concussion and
bleeding on the brain, and her passenger had to use a walker for
months and miss out on the summer going into her senior year. I
didn’t experience any physical or neurological damage, but
mentally, my accident changed me, and I’m sure it’ll be for the
better.

Safe
driving techniques should be taught in every educational institution.
It should be known to not drive under the influence of any alcohol or
drug, never drive while undergoing a lack of sleep, and always wear a
seatbelt, but sadly this isn’t common knowledge. No matter how many
programs you give in school or how many advertisements are on the
television, the point won’t get across, and sadly you can’t avoid
other people’s reckless decisions. You can however take your own
preventative methods, like wearing a seatbelt, making sure your
airbags are ready to deploy, driving speed limit, staying off your
cell phone, and of course never drive under the influence of
anything.


As
a student, you can practice safe driving techniques by enrolling in a
drivers ed class, whether it be through your school, or
within your community. There are many options available, you just
must search for them. It’s also beneficial to take lessons with an
instructor, as well as someone in your family. An instructor may be
able to provide new drivers with insights that a parent or guardian
isn’t aware of. Not only is this beneficial to improve knowledge of
the road, but it can help reduce the price of insurance as a new
driver, which is incredibly helpful. My driving instructor was able
to help me learn the rules of the road and help me overcome my
obstacle of parallel parking. I’m extremely thankful to have the
opportunity to work with him, or else I would lack knowledge of the
road and experience.