Taking Responsibility Behind the Wheel

       People tend to think of driving as simply getting yourself from one place to another. However, when you are in control of the wheel, the way you drive not only affects you, but everyone around you. Pedestrians, cyclists, your vehicle passengers, and other drivers' lives are on the line if you accidentally make a wrong choice. This is what makes driver education extremely crucial. Driver education shows new drivers what can really happen if they make the wrong call. It provides them the necessary tools to spot danger before it turns into a real problem. It also teaches them how to drive defensively such as keeping a safe distance and keeping an eye on what’s going on around them. The more drivers really get these risks, the safer their decisions become, which helps prevent accidents. 

          There are plenty of ways to make the roads safer. First off, stopping impaired driving is a key factor. People should avoid driving after drinking, using marijuana, or taking other drugs. This messes with their focus and reaction time, causing the driver to be disoriented and incapable of making safe decisions. Distracted driving is another major threat. Drivers should never glance at their phone while driving. Having your eyes off the road for even one second can quickly lead to a tragedy. It doesn’t matter if you get a text message, you shouldn’t check it unless you have safely parked your car. In addition, drivers also need to follow the speed limit, buckle up, and avoid driving their car if they’re too exhausted or can’t concentrate.

            I learned just how important safe driving is from my own experience. I was in a minor crash once with my mother that was caused by a driver who was under the influence of marijuana. No one was seriously hurt, but it made me realize just how much someone else’s decision can put you at risk. That left me uneasy because it showed me how a regular routine drive can turn dangerous within a matter of seconds, and you may not even be the one making the mistake. Since then, I pay a lot more attention whenever I am behind the wheel. I always make sure to keep plenty of distance around my car and stay attentive for any sudden moves from others because you never really know what may happen. That day made it clear to me that while driving you have to look out for everyone else out there too, not just yourself. You can be the best driver in the world, yet someone's mistake can put your life at risk in a matter of seconds. That’s why being alert and knowing how to drive safely is always important, because one careless choice could end up putting someone behind bars or six feet underground.

          A few steps that would make me a safer driver would include keeping my phone out of sight, wearing my seat belt at all times, following the speed limit, staying focused, never driving impaired, and checking my blind spots. Road rage is another issue that can drive people to make bad decisions that can turn dangerous. Therefore, I always try to be patient with other drivers and with myself to ensure my emotions don't influence my choices. On top of that, if I see a friend reaching for their phone while driving, I’ll tell them to put it away or offer to read the message for them. Moreover, if someone is under the influence, I’ll do what I can to help by getting them a ride to prevent them from becoming a danger to others or themselves.

            In the end, driver education reminds us how serious driving is when you are in control of the wheel. Every choice you make behind the wheel, no matter how small it is, can completely change your life or someone’s life in a split second. After my experience with an impaired driver, I now understand how quickly things can turn upside down due to a driver's reckless choice. Unfortunately, innocent people are the ones who often end up paying the consequences of someone else’s actions. Nonetheless, the best thing a driver can do is to keep improving their driving skills, staying responsible, and encouraging others to do the same. That’s how we keep roads safer for everyone and reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving.