Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign When In The Driver’s Seat

“Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin’ out the scenery. Breakin’ my mind. Do this, don’t do that. Can’t you read the sign?” These are lyrics from a song, Signs, originally by Five Man Electric Band, and remade by Kid Rock. Though the intent for the song was different, this verse speaks to me with regard to driver education.

Driver education is so important in teaching you the rules of the road, which not only involves maneuverability skills, but also paying attention to road signs. Slow down! Curve ahead! Children crossing! Stop! These are all part of the many signs learned through driver education. And it is these signs that help keep us, and those around us, safe.

Driver education, is so important in not only reducing accidents, but also in reducing the number of deaths. I could not imagine if my parents just handed over the keys to the car without my having learned driver education first.

Signs are just a part of this education. It is so important to be educated on the how speeding, texting, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and more, affects your chances of getting into an accident, and possibly killing yourself or someone else.

To avoid these things, it is so important to mentally prepare yourself before getting behind the wheel. You can take steps to make your drive safer, and thus help reduce the number of death-related car accidents. Steps to take before you even put the vehicle in drive are: making sure your vehicle is in safer operating condition; wearing your seatbelt; putting your phone in a safe place where you will not be distracted by it; and, connecting your phone to your vehicle’s blue tooth if available so that if you receive or need to make an emergency call, it is hands free. Once you are driving, follow those signs! Maintain a safe speed and do not exceed the speed limit. Watch for dangerous curves, yields, and stop signs. Stay in the correct lane. Look ahead and around you for other vehicles that may not be driving in a safe manner. If you see a vehicle not driving safely, get out of their way. And, if you have to pull over for any reason, do so safely. Make sure you are signaling to others that you are pulling over, and make sure you are pulling over in a safe spot.

While in driver’s education, I was, unfortunately, involved in a car accident. My own mother, who usually never texts and drives used her cell phone while driving to look up and address “real quick”. Unfortunately, taking her eyes off the road for just two seconds caused her to rear-end another vehicle because she did not see that traffic had stopped. When it happened, she immediately (after yelling a word that rhymes with duck) turned to me and said, “And this is why you don’t use your cell phone while behind the wheel!” Luckily, no one was hurt. I’m happy to say that after that, she not only turned on her text feature so that if she gets a text while driving, it will automatically respond that she cannot reply because she is driving; but, she has not gotten on her phone ever again while she is behind the wheel.

As I write this essay, I am still on my Learner’s Permit. I am scheduled to take the driver’s test in about a month. I am nervous because driving is a big responsibility, but also excited that I can start driving myself to work, soccer, and the store. I intend to take all the necessary steps to make sure that I am being a safe driver. I will remain hands-free from any electronic devices. I will make sure that my pre-drive check includes knowing my vehicle is operational and safe, wearing my seat belt, adjusting my mirrors if needed, and paying attention to my surroundings. As I drive, I will do so at a safe speed and pay attention to the road, road markings, signs, and what is going on around me, like other drivers and pedestrians.

I will take what I’ve learned through my driver education, and my driving experience, and apply it each and every time that I get behind the wheel.

I have my whole life ahead of me. The last thing I want is to have my driving privileges taken away from me, or worse, kill or injure myself or another because I was not being a responsible driver.