Driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom, especially as teenagers. With this freedom however, comes with responsibility which many drivers underestimate the risks that come with. A single moment can change the entire trajectory of your life as well as others. Learning how to drive safely is a process that requires patience, responsibility, and keeping with good habits.
All my life, I was told about the freedom that comes with turning sixteen, and how much you’ll enjoy it. I grew up believing this, believing that right when I turn fifteen and a half I would get my temps and after that my license. However, when I reached that age, I felt completely unprepared for the responsibility of driving. My boyfriend- Max on the other hand got his temps right away and immediately began learning how to drive. This turned out to be a bad idea.
It was two months after he got his license and a cold day in December. We stayed after school and were on the way to UDF. There is a long straight road, however it is a little skinny and doesn't have much space between the pavement and grass. We are messing around a little, with no care in the world and the high of freedom still with us- we were on the top of the world. That was until Max accidentally swerved to the side. He didn't realize it until it was too late when he swerved and made impact with a telephone pole. Fortunately he swerved in time for it to not be head on but to the side, however the damage was already done, with airbags going off on the passenger side and in the backseat as well as deep dents and scratches on the left side of his car we were mortified. Luckily in the end his car was not totaled and he learned a valuable lesson about safety. On the other hand it made me even more terrified to learn how to drive.
Finally at the age of sixteen I decided to get my temps. My parents luckily did not rush me during this process telling me again and again that when I am ready they will support me. To me the first step of knowing how to be the best and safest driver is to not jump right into it and take things slowly. Starting off with waiting until you are fully ready to get your temps and start your driving journey. I took learning how to drive very seriously, knowing the repercussions of messing around or slacking off. I started off slow, with my driver's ed and focusing on learning how to drive in neighborhoods and slow streets with no music playing. This is the second step of learning how to be a safe driver- working your way up. Finally I began my behind-the-wheel training with an instructor. My instructor taught me good habits for different situations, such as when you are on the highway to make sure you are constantly looking at your mirrors and to stay vigilant. It is good to practice good habits because that is how you will perform on the road which is why this is the third and last step as to how to be a better and safer driver- sticking to good habits. I can now call myself a confident and calm driver, making sure I don't get distracted, and keeping my eyes on the road. I also stay smart by not going outside of my comfort zone, for example I don't really go on the highway ever because it makes me scared. My story of driving shows the three steps as to how to be the best and safest driver on the road, first is by not jumping right into things instead taking it slowly, secondly working your way up, and lastly is sticking to good habits. By following these steps we can increase the number of good drivers on the road and reduce the number of deaths resulting from driving.
Many teenagers (me included) don't realize just how often and how easy it is to get in a life-threatening car crash. One small distraction and your car could be totaled or even worse you could be gravely injured. To me I feel like we are already going in the right direction of driving-safety with police being on the lookout and ready to pull-over those who are on their phone, distracted, or not wearing a seatbelt. However there is only so much a police officer can do, meaning that it has to start with you. One of the reasons behind these bad habits is again, ignorance. With distracted driving so normalized amongst families and teens that once you go through driving school people tend to not take these important lessons as seriously as they should. This is why driving education to me shouldn't just mean the program you're taking that is mandatory to get your driver's license. Driving education comes from all around you, with your parents teaching you good habits, with news stations reporting these deadly accidents and what just went wrong and people actually realizing how dangerous cars are and learning from it, with people actually taking their driving school seriously, and much more that surrounds you. It also doesn't stop once you get your license. Driving education is a continuous process that you should always keep in mind. Remaining vigilant and consistently practicing safe habits is the key to becoming a responsible driver. The biggest thing in order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is learning good habits and sticking to them. This is why driving education is so important, and the steps of which to reduce the number of deaths related to driving; learning of your ignorance, learning good habits around you, and sticking to these good habits.
Driving is often seen as a rite of passage, being one of the first forms of independence you gain as a teenager. Through my own experiences I have learned that safe driving isn't just about getting behind the wheel- it’s about preparation, patience, and forming good habits that will last you a lifetime. Safe driving doesn't just stop once we get our license, it is a continuous process of learning and self-awareness. With a moment of distraction or recklessness having the potential of life-altering consequences we must not only educate ourselves, but those around us. This responsibility lies within each individual, by remaining vigilant, making smart decisions, and not taking driving for granted we can help prevent life-threatening car accidents thus saving many lives. Safe driving isn't just a skill- it’s a lifelong commitment.