Name: Logan Anania
From: Athens , Ohio
Votes: 0
Just as going to school prepares us for life, in the same way
drivers ed prepares us for the challenges of driving. Think
how limited you would be if you hadn’t learned to read, write, or
know math. Under these circumstances your life would be reduced to a
snail’s pace while you took time to maneuver through daily
challenges. Drivers ed prepares us in the same way for us
to make quick, intelligent decisions by not only reading and studying
about it, but actually experiencing it. Also we are being taught by a
professional who knows the rules, not by a person who just happens to
have a driver’s license. I believe that all these merits of
drivers ed combined have an impact on reducing the number
of auto fatalities.
I believe that getting drunk drivers off the road is obviously
one of the biggest steps to reduce driving deaths. I think that great
strides are being made for this cause. However, I believe that
driving deaths has increased in recent years due to distraction. It’s
distraction in epidemic proportions. Cell phones have become almost a
biological extension of our hands. Aren’t we taught in driver’s
education to keep both hands on the wheel? How many times do you
wait behind a car at a green light because of them talking or
texting? How about the ones making a turn with one hand, talking on a
cell? I say make it an offense with a fine to be driving and using a
hand cell phone. The revenues can go toward further educational
campaigns for educating the public on safe driving.
Thankfully I have not been involved in an auto accident. When
I’m with anyone that I think isn’t driving safely, I step out my
comfort zone and voice my opinion. For example I tell my father he
should slow down or inform my grandfather of his infamous ‘rolling
stops’.
The best thing I can do to be a better driver is to drive more
defensively. Drive not only for myself, but be aware of drivers
around me and to expect the unexpected – to be ‘in the moment’
and conscientious.
As far as helping others to be safer drivers, I step up and make
tactful suggestions that can possibly help others be more aware of
their driving short comings. When we’re out partying I become the
proverbial ‘mother hen’. If there’s no designated driver, I’ll
volunteer or make arrangements for us to camp out where we’re at.
Driving is not a game.
