Safe Driving 101

                                            Drivers Safety 101

When I was in driving school, it was a huge reality check. I saw it as freedom, but in reality, it is a privilege to be taken seriously. To put it in the words of my driving instructor Coach Hill, “Getting your license is a license to operate a 2-ton killing machine.” From that moment forward, I began to learn that the roads are not ours, and that laws are made for our safety. I hope that every new driver can learn this principle, so we can stop losing the lives of our youth to automobiles.

My name is Dillon Marshall. I am currently a senior at Dutchtown High School in Louisiana. I plan on attending San Jose State University for College to study Aviation. I appreciate the opportunities that transportation provides us, whether it be by plane or car. Despite never flying a plane before, I am committed to learning. Just as much as I love flying in planes, I love driving cars! It is one of my favorite pass times. When it comes to both, I do understand that while driving may be fun, it is not to be taken lightly. With great privilege comes great responsibility. Operators of motor vehicles need to understand that every second behind a wheel should be invested in getting from point A to B because one distraction could be catastrophic. With that being said, I plan to become a better driver throughout college, in the sky and the air!

I could go on to use scare tactics we’ve all heard before, but people often respond with things like, “I know people who do that, and they are fine.” In this essay, I want to dismiss some common false assumptions I’ve heard from drivers and inform drivers that they are not invincible. My intent is not to scare drivers, but instead share some facts and provide some insight. We’ll start with the one I’ve already addressed. For those that use other rule breakers to justify their actions, remember that there is a reason people say that comparing yourself to others is dangerous. What’s going on around you is different than what was going on around them. For that one moment you decided to look away to send a text, anything can happen. A pedestrian could walk into the street. An animal could walk into the road. A car on the road to the left could decide to pull out, but you wouldn’t see it in time to slow down. 

Drivers also tend to throw around the phrase, “It will never happen to me.” There is nothing wrong with pledging to never have a wreck, only if you are doing everything in your power not to get in a wreck. If you’re eating, texting, speaking, or doing anything besides devoting all of your attention to the road, it very well can happen to you. According to auto insurance experts, the average driver will get into an accident once every 18 years or so. For less experienced drivers, 43 percent of first-year drivers and 37 percent of second-year drivers are involved in car crashes nationwide. Accidents do not discriminate. Distractions will happen, but drivers should eliminate them, rather than believing an accident can’t happen to them. 

Next up is notorious, “It’s just one drink”. For one, “one drink” is subjective. How much is one drink? One beer is a lot different than one shot of vodka. Also, everyone is different. The effects of alcohol depend on how much you weigh, how fast you drink, how much food is in your stomach, and other medical conditions. Don’t be naive and predictable. Don’t be that stereotype. Instead of rolling the dice, just don’t do it! You’ll save gas & a couple lives in the process. So please, call an uber or call it a night. 

After evaluating many causes of car accidents, one thing remains common. They are often avoidable. I’m nowhere near perfect. I’ve made mistakes and I’m committed to learning from them. Earlier, I mentioned that 43 percent of first-year drivers are involved in an accident. Well, I am one among that 43 percent. On one summer day, I was on my way home from my job. I was driving my first car. I loved it. I’d had it for about a year. When I woke up that morning, I had no idea that it would be my last day in that car. About 5 minutes away from my house, I was at a red light. It was taking a while, so I decided to take my eyes off the road for a second to check my phone. When the light turned green, I noticed in my peripheral vision. What I did not notice was how much closer I moved to the vehicle ahead of me while I was on my phone, so I quickly accelerated into the behind of the vehicle. My car was later totaled and I never got to drive it again. So, I can attest to how pointless wrecks are. Even when you are at a red light or your foot is not on the gas, you are still driving. Never forget that the cell phone takes away from all of our senses & that things are always going on around you. With that being said, I’m very thankful to be unharmed today and I do not use my cell phone behind the wheel anymore. Hopefully, one teenager reads this and it becomes their motivation not to pick up their phone.

As I conclude this essay, I’d like to end with some final helpful advice to those that are licensed and those aspiring to obtain a license. Though it’s difficult for one person to make a change, it all starts with one person. The statistics of teen driving death do not have to be our reality. To make a small difference, so many little things can be done! For those still in the passenger seat, offer to respond to the driver’s text message if you see them get an alert. If you know someone is traveling, try to avoid calling them. For those able to drive, if driving in unfamiliar areas, the passenger should read the directions or the driver should listen to the directions, rather than looking at their cell phone. Technology is our friend, but cell phones are a distraction. Drag racing should be avoided. That’s just asking for trouble. Not only does safe driving save lives, but you save money. Accidents are expensive, from the car’s expenses to the potential hospital bills. Finally, whether you drive or not, are a parent or a student, safety education can start early, so inquire about having a drivers ed course in your local high schools. Every life is important, so I just hope my story, advice, and experience can resonate with at least one driver!