The Speed of Life

In 10th grade, I never really paid attention in my drivers ed class. I thought to myself “I already know this stuff” and used the period for taking a nap before my French test next block, which I thought was so much more important. Ironically, I had it all backwards. Drivers ed is one of the most important things to learn. Too many people are losing their own lives or taking other’s away because they did not care to learn how to be safe.

Driver education needs to be stressed so much more to not only young drivers, but also older drivers, who might need refreshing in order to keep themselves and others as safe as possible. Until that happens, I think that the average number of driver related deaths per year will not improve. It is far too common for people to overestimate their own abilities and neglect honing their skills behind the wheel.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a high school near me had its homecoming. While I do not attend this school, many of my friends do. One of my good friends was looking for a ride to a party after the dance, and someone he didn’t know too well offered him one. It turns out that the driver had only just turned 16 and did not have his driver’s license. He was driving recklessly and ended up crashing the vehicle into a tree, killing them both. This event inspired me to search for a way to write about the importance of drivers ed. Never again do I want to wake up to the news of one my friends being gone for good because of uneducated and reckless driving.

I will always make sure that everyone is properly educated before getting behind the wheel, even if they have their license. I will never be okay with anyone driving recklessly or illegally and will not let someone I know ride with anyone who is. I realize how dangerous it is to drive and important it is for me to drive safely.