The
driver holds the wheel. The driver controls the motion of the
vehicle. The driver has the potential to hold the knowledge behind
the wheel. We don’t wish death upon anyone. We can reduce the
number of deaths as a result of driving by becoming an educated
driver. Drivers ed allows us to gain awareness, gain knowledge
of what to do when faced with a situation, and gain the insight that
we are responsible to gain this education in order to execute it and
ensure the safety of the driver and innocent pedestrians. Driver
education allows us to prepare ourselves towards becoming a driver
with the key aspects of precaution and confidence.

We
are capable of reducing the number of deaths related to driving by
being mindful. We can become an educated driver. By looking both ways
at an intersection, by keeping your eyes on the road, by checking
your car’s state and well-being, we can prevent what could have
been a devastating catastrophe. A driver holds a checklist to
complete before they drive and while they drive. This crucial
checklist consists of rules including patience to avoid road rage and
driving the speed limit to secure our safety and others safety.
Unfortunately,
I have been a witness of the consequences a car accident can cause.
Early morning, my dad went to work, hours later we received a call
and we were immediately directed towards the hospital. Our car was
utterly destroyed, my dad was injured, and we would soon face
financial struggles. I was 6, I was grateful, I was lucky and happy
to be beside my dad on the hospital bed and having him embrace me
with a big hug. That isn’t always the case for everyone.

I
hold the wheel. I fully recognize that I must follow the rules of the
road. Red is to stop, green is to go, and yellow is to slow down.
Yet, there is the unspoken rule of the road, to not forget your duty
to preserve the safety of others. I hold myself accountable to not
forget my duty and to remind my friends of their duty when they are
behind the wheel. Running late is no reason to speed nor is getting a
notification on Snapchat a reason to text. The risk of an accident
increases when we forget our duty. We must create a road where we
encourage safety upon ourselves and others. I make sure to use my
drivers ed, follow the rules of the road, and complete my
checklist the moment I start the car.