When I sat in the
driver seat of my car, hands on the wheel, feet on the pedals, for
the first time I was terrified. For I had seen horrible car
accidents, I knew the statistics, and I knew the risks. I did not
want to drive, but I needed to in order to be productive in society.
I knew then that in order to not become a statistic I needed to learn
how to drive safely. In order to do so, I needed to pay attention to
the road, and to focus on progressing my drivers ed.

Many steps can be
taken in order to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving,
one of them is completing and passing drivers ed. Drivers
education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths as
result of driving. It teaches people the basic rules of driving.
These rules, although simple, save lives daily and shape people into
thoughtful and safe drivers. Without knowledge of the rules of the
road a driver is more likely to do whatever they think will get them
to their destination faster, even if it is not safe. Drivers
education played a huge role in damping my anxiety and hatred towards
driving. Once learning the basics of driving and safety procedures,
driving became more straight- forward and a safer process for me.

Fortunately, I have
never been in an accident, but I have had a few close calls due to
other reckless drivers. These close calls had me fearing for my life,
if I had made one wrong move I may not be here today. I thank myself
after these close calls because I was not on my phone, I was focusing
on the road, and for putting my drivers ed into use. I know
many of my peers drive irresponsibly daily. I know they use their
phones while driving and do not always follow the rules of the road
because it is not convenient for them, but not me. There are many
steps I take to help ensure that I am driving safely. Putting my
phone on “Do Not Disturb”, and making sure I can’t access it,
is one way I make sure I am focused and safe. Checking mirrors,
checking speed limits, and constantly following rules of the road are
main focuses in safe driving and are things I practice daily while
driving. I can not force my peers to drive safely, but by showing and
explaining to them the consequences of unsafe driving and what
precautions I take in order to be a safe driver, I hope that the
importance of safe driving will rub off on them. The only way to
prevent driving mistakes is to educate people on the importance of
the rules of the road and the consequences for not following those
rules. By bringing awareness and education to drivers countless
lives will be saved.