I have been driving for the past two years now. If there is anything I have learned it is that I am not capable of doing multiple things at once and neither are many more people. I can barely talk write, much less drive and do anything else. Driving is something that requires ones full attention at all times even at stop signs. Sadly one of the leading causes of death for people my age is car accidents. For my essay today I will be going into how and why you should take drivers education seriously and also I will be allowing myself to be vulnerable in talking from my own experiences.
If there was one thing I looked forward to it was finally turning sixteen years old and finally being able to take myself around. Sixteen is such a significant year, the beginning of high school. New friends, all these new experiences, and getting a job and finally having your own money. It is also in my personal opinion to start driving at that age. You’re still so young and all you want to do is go everywhere and do everything. Less than a year of driving I would be going out to places up to 40 minutes away, and also places in downtown Kansas City which are just very hard places to get around. There are so many important factors when it comes to driving safely and responsibly. Some consist of driving safely so you know how to get around and are confident and comfortable to get yourself and others around. When you are comfortable on the road and familiar with it you tend to be a better driver for yourself and those around you because you wouldn’t be trying to get over a lane last minute. Another important factor is humans and life itself. Every message you send while driving or picture you take while driving is you increasing your chances of hurting yourself or others around you. The last news anyone would ever want to hear is that a loved one of theirs got hurt or even worse, passed from a tragic accident. Knowing the road is so practical but knowing how to drive is the most important. Remembering your turn signals and to always follow the speed limit is crucial to reducing the amount of deaths. One of the most imporant things my parents taught me that will always stick with me is that I am not the only one on the road. Although every single day their are reckless drivers but what you can always do is drive for yourself and remember you are driving for others. Some tips I always like to remember while driving is always thinking of my family and friends and how they would feel. I always remember that my life is worth way more than a text to my boyfriend in an argument, a text from my mom asking what I want from the store, and even a text from my best friend trying to make plans. Life is so beautiful and precious, as well as the life of others. Every irresponsible move I make while driving I immediately think of the life of others and potentially hurting a human being that is loved by so many. With prom season approaching my school always has a driving program. With all the events going on around prom, at prom, as well as after prom so many things could happen. Those things include driving under the influence. Our program at school shares story of real stories they experienced, we also have interactive activities such as driving with drunk goggles just to see and feel how it would be driving drunk. This I truly appreciate for myself and others to remember how important responsible driving is.
Lastly I wanted to share a piece that is very close to my heart. Just a couple of days ago a close friend of mine tragically passed away. Now we were not too close but he still was such a valuable person. A couple days ago, they decided to get behind the wheel under terrible circumstances. With this being said they eventually lost control of the wheel. He immediately passed away. This just goes to show how one day can absolutley change everything for you. Now we will not see him graduate or even be able to see his full potential. This impacted me tremendously, he was such a kind boy with a generous heart and smile. From now on every day is so sacred and valuable to me. If you take anything from this essay please remember that you are so incredibly important and loved by those around you and even me. Your life is so precious.