S.A.F.E.R Tire Rotations: Self Analysis For Everyone’s Right to Tire Revolutions

Barker 3

Sydney Barker

DmvEdu.org Scholarship Essay

13 November 2019

S.A.F.E.R Tire Rotations: Self Analysis For Everyone’s Right to Tire Revolutions

Driving is a personal addiction. The activity of gripping the steering wheel, playing background music, and forgetting everything except the thought process needed to drive is a form of meditation. Driving creates a sense of control. However, one must come to terms with the aspect of not actually being in full control. Accidents happen often and the driver may or may not be able to control if this happens, but one should be as prepared as possible.

Driver education is an essential entity of being properly prepared for driving. There are many classes available in various locations so that one may learn the risks and how to avoid the worst-case scenario. A new driver is normally not familiar with how to drive in certain weather conditions, how to correct hydroplaning, and proper procedures if an accident was to occur. Classes and the practice of driving with an instructor gives a new perspective to a learning driver. This should be the first step after one receives their permit to assure, they are well educated.

After legally being able to drive on the public roadway, one must take the steps to follow the law to the best of their abilities. The laws of the road are put in place to keep every driver safe. Stop signs matter. One must go at green and stop at a red light, as well as slow down at a yellow light. The speed limit is not a suggestion but a safe maximum speed. All of these are forms of societal accepted laws that create a safe driving environment. One must pay attention to their surroundings to drive safely and abide by the law.

The next would to be acknowledge the weather and road conditions. The weather does have a great impact on one’s ability to drive. Therefore, a driver should understand their skill and experience. After a fresh snow a new driver should practice with an experienced driver to learn how to drive with the snow before one drive on the roads alone. Black ice and snow creates a new level of difficulty. One must also be aware of the effects of wet roads. Hydroplaning is potentially very dangerous if not handled correctly. One must be prepared and think ahead.

Planning the route and adjusting for the weather is important. However, the underlying aspect of these notions is the concept of attention. One must only focus on the road and the task of driving. One must not participate in texting, applying makeup, making a phone call, drinking, eating, or many other activities as that means one’s focus is not fully on driving. Attention is the most important aspect of driving, but it is a choice. This choice is made while one is already in the act of driving. It is a choice that may affect a life or death situation.

The last step is to assure that the vehicle that is being driven is insured as well as in good condition. Maintenance on a vehicle plays a big role in safe driving. Seatbelts, e-brake, brakes, airbag, and many more parts of a car or truck are essential to assuring one’s safety and preventing deaths. Even if there is not another vehicle in an accident a person may still die if a vehicle is flipped. Seatbelts, the air bag, and a strong vehicle frame may save one’s life.

I have been in several car accidents that did not end in fatality. The first was when I was very young. The light turned green at an intersection and my mother proceeded after double checking that others were not illegally going through the intersection. She got have way through the intersection when a motorcyclist flew through the intersection and hit our vehicle, which caused both modes of transportation to spin. The motorcyclist was wounded but alive, and my mother and I were not injured. A second accident my father was involved in resulted in him getting T-Boned after getting a green arrow at an intersection. The driver that hit my father’s vehicle did not realize the light was red as the ice fog was severe. My father had to go to the hospital and out vehicle was totaled. Everyone in this accident, luckily, waked away from it alive.

Personally, I have never hit a vehicle and I have never been hit. However, due to icy conditions I have spun out of control after I drove over a black ice patch that I did not see. I recovered and carried on my activities for the day being more mindful. In another instance I had not put on my winter tires on my little car, so when I walked out of my high school after softball practice and saw a snowstorm, I was naturally worried. I attempted to drive with my summer tires in very slick conditions. After getting a block away from my school in Fairbanks, Alaska I pulled over, turned on my hazards, and called my father. I was not getting any traction and being 17 years old meant I did not have enough experience to drive home in the conditions presented. My father and mother came to rescue me. My mother picked me up while dropping my dad off to drive my vehicle home. If I had not made this decision I may have injured or killed someone or myself on the drive home.

I as a fellow driver have a certain responsibility to be a wise driver. I share the roads with many individuals and we each have a right to life. I must take steps to assure I am a safe driver. Some steps that might assist me in this are taking drivers ed courses every 5 to 10 years to refresh, follow the laws of the road, and learn from personal and other's experiences. Lastly, I should always familiarize myself with the vehicle before I drive it.

I often talk to others and recommend the drivers course that I have taken twice already. I share my experiences with my younger sister so that she may pay attention to aspects I did not at first. My main goal is to minimize the chances of an accident. To secure less injuries and deaths caused by irresponsible driving starts with being aware what it takes to drive safely.

Thank you for offering this scholarship, as well as for your time and consideration.