Maintaining
focus and concentration when driving are qualities my parents
instilled in me as a young child. When as a kid, my parents would
always stress how important it was for them to keep their eyes on the
road, even when I wanted them to turn and see my coloring book. As I
got older and attended drivers ed classes, I learned just
how necessary this information was.


Going
through a drivers ed class, clarified for me, the
responsibility one has chosen to take when they become a driver. The
reality of how dangerous driving can be, cannot be understated. Many
deadly mistakes can be easily avoided. A stop sign is not there to
keep you from getting somewhere on-time and the yellow light does not
mean to speed up. Simple things that can save lives tend to be some
of the most common mistakes. Taking a drivers ed class helps
you learn these important aspects of driving. You are taking the
lives of the people in your car as well as the lives of everyone
around you into your hands.


There
are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths
related to driving. One of the easiest things is to take away cell
phones and other electronic distractions. In addition, while under
the influence of any sort, call Uber or a friend. For all drivers,
keeping the number of passengers in the car to a minimum, staying
focused on the road and not on your friend also helps. Car
manufacturers are constantly innovating and making cars safer,
drivers should also be working just as hard to improve their driving
knowledge and application of the rules.

I
have been lucky to have never been in an accident. Although, I do
have a friend who ran into a tree because her friend let her drive
his car, even though she didn’t have a license. This taught me
that it is so important to be responsible at all times and not let
the excitement of being around friends get in the way. Luckily,
nobody was hurt, but she did lose her chance to get her license until
she turned 18. My father lost an uncle in a late night car accident,
one that could have been avoided had alcohol not been involved.


As
a young adult, it is important that I am an advocate for safe driving
with my family and friends alike. If my friends are acting out in
the car, whether I am the driver or a passenger, it is important that
I ask them to stop. If not, the situation could go from bad to worse
in a heartbeat. It could be life-saving. In addition, something I
have continued to do is observe others when they are driving.
Thinking about how I might have done something different, verbalize
any concerns about someone’s driving or simply ask questions are
key to helping me not only be a safe driver, but also improve my
overall driving skills.