Safely
In Your Seat

Driving
is the most dangerous thing that the average adult will do every day.
Traffic deaths caused by drivers are unnatural tragedies that we need
to work to stop. Then again, it is nearly impossible to fix this
problem without a guarantee that every driver on the road has had
some form of drivers ed. Learning about the rules of the road,
distracted driving, and the consequences of vehicle accidents makes a
driver more aware of what could happen if they fail to drive
carefully. This awareness usually creates a safe driver. Not only
should we learn about driving safely, but the concepts should be
reinforced yearly for everyone with a driver’s license. All drivers
should have to go to one class every year that reminds them of the
dangers that come from driving under the influence, texting and
driving, and other forms of distracted driving. Causes of traffic
accidents would also be discussed in this class. From my own
education and personal experience, I can conclude that taking a
drivers ed course one time as a teen cannot keep someone
one hundred percent careful and aware every time they drive
throughout their life. Recently, I was in a car accident in my school
parking lot. It was a cold, icy morning, and I saw an open spot very
close to the school. It was freezing outside, so I decided to park in
that spot instead of the farther away one that I usually park in to
avoid a walking distance. As I turned my wheel left to pull into that
spot, I hit the car parked on the right side of me. The driver was
still sitting in her seat. When we got out of our cars to deal with
the situation, we noticed the large patch of black ice I had ran over
which caused me to hit her car. If I was more reminded and aware of
the dangers that come from driving on icy roads, I likely would have
parked somewhere else and avoided getting in an accident. Thankfully,
no one was hurt in my experience of a traffic accident, but
everywhere there are lives being lost due to the smallest mistakes
made by unalert drivers. We have the potential to reduce traffic
deaths by making education and awareness more of a priority. To make
myself a better driver, I am going to start reminding myself on my
own of the consequences that could come from distracted driving and
unawareness. I am also going to make sure that my friends are mindful
while driving. No matter how much fun we may be having listening to
music or chatting, I will never resist turning down the music and
giving my friends reminders to be careful. If we are not safely in
our seat, we should not be in a seat at all.