The weight of responsibility

Driving for many people is seen as a necessity in the United States and Canada, often the moment we become of age adults around us will hound us to get our licenses often with the reasoning of it giving us independence as young adults. However, whilst there is a push for becoming a driver there is not really one for keeping yourself safe on the road until it is too late for some. 

In an era where cars seem to be built in a way that can cause more fatal accidents whether that be from a car being raised or cars having bigger screens, it is important to recognize how being a driver is responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Being a responsible driver is understanding that when you are in control of a vehicle your phone must be put away and while that might be obvious this issue of screens and cars becomes bigger as we see the number of cars that are increasing their screen sizes. But still as drivers, the responsibility still lies on drivers to still take responsibility and keep your eyes on the road even if an important message pops up. Things can happen in an instant on the road, especially in residential areas, so drivers should always be cautious and focused.  

Being a responsible driver can also mean not provoking or being provoked by others, by it is pretty common to go onto social media and see current newest road rage incident of two people losing their patience and speeding after each other with netizens often creating commentary about the situation. However, there is a darker side to this in which people do lose their lives or claim other people’s lives in car crashes due to road rage. It is extremely important that drivers do not engage with anyone who provokes them, nor should they provoke others as well; our lives are more important than petty road rage. if a driver ends up being provoked and feels angry, they should pull over and take a few moments to calm down  

Choosing to be a responsible driver can also mean not driving whilst under the influence of any type of drug. This might seem very obvious to many as so many ads constantly denounce driving under the influence in reference to alcohol, however this should be applied to any and all drugs that can disorientate a person.  A disorientated driver is much more prone to causing life-changing accidents on the road for others and even themselves. If choosing to consume something that can leave you disoriented, it is important that drivers have ways planned to go to and from places if necessary, in order to avoid going behind the wheel and potential endanger others and receive a criminal charge. 

Making sure that your indicators are working, tires are in good condition, and more are all important aspects of vehicle checkups which can make someone a responsible driver. Some people can easily brush off broken parts of their own vehicle as an easy fix that will not really put anybody in danger, but as a driver you have the responsibility to make sure that your vehicle is in working order. This responsibility is not simply for maintenance, but it is because a vehicle that is not in good working order can be dangerous for others around you, especially if you are prone to driving erratically.  

As someone who is studying for their license, this process has been somewhat off putting because of my anxiety when it comes to driving even though no one in my immediate family has ever been in a car crash. My negative thoughts have also played a role in deterring me from driving even though my family still pushes me to learn as it is seen as stepping into adulthood for them. However, I still want to try and learn as there are resources readily available for new drivers. Finally, being a responsible driver also means using the resources that are provided by auto shops and your city to aid you as learn to drive. So many people simply rely on their own family members teaching them, which is nice, but lessons should still come from those who are certified to teach as even family members can still teach you things wrong.  

Overall, driving is a big responsbility that should not be taken lightly, it is important that drivers are aware and follow all the laws of the road and making sure that themselves and their vehicle are in good condition to drive. Driving is not just a step into adulthood or independence it is a process that has the ability to change lives for better or for worse.