The
Importance of Safe Driving
When
I turned 16, I couldn’t wait to start driving, because being
amongst the youngest in my class I was one of the last ones able to
drive. I remember my dad telling me all the risks with unsafe
driving, so he made me wait to buy a car until he felt I was ready to
drive on my own. We spent countless hours practicing how to back up
properly, parallel park, correct hand placement, etc., but the most
important rule he drilled in my head was to never
check my phone while driving.


The
number one cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Distractions
can be messing with your radio, doing your hair, putting on makeup,
eating food, or getting a drink of water. One of the most common
distractions for teens is the cell phone. Two years ago, I was
involved in an accident with my mom, dad, and sister. It was caused
by a distracted teen on their phone. The accident didn’t hurt any
of us, but it did total our car. If the other car had hit just a
couple inches more from where it did, it could have killed my mom.
This was my first experience with a car accident, and I hope it will
be the last.

Another
action that can take place to prevent accidents on the road would be
to teach a required course on drivers’ education in high school. My
grandparents have told me multiple times about how they were offered
a driving course in high school, and how it helped them with their
driving. Requiring this course in school can help young drivers
become more confident and really learn about all the great risks in
driving. I know that I would have taken advantage of this if it were
to be offered to me. Driving is apart of our everyday lives, so
let’s take these simple steps to make it safer.

One
of the best ways to encourage and show others safe driving is to lead
by example. Once you step into your vehicle, set your phone out of
reach and out of sight. With this you are less likely to want to pick
up your phone and see what it is. A phone call, a text message can
wait.
After all, leaving a voicemail is there for a reason! When you are
driving with your friends, keep your phone out of your hand. If the
situation is reversed and your friend is driving, and you see them go
to get their phone. Speak up and stop them! Life is important, life
is short! A phone call, text, snapchat notification, can
wait.