The Reality of Being a Cautious Driver

Driving a vehicle can be seen as a rite of passage, especially at age 16. In the state of Ohio, 16 is considered the age where one is old enough to drive a vehicle. This statement can be scary for some teenagers and exhilarating for others. With a driver’s license, the parent is no longer needed, the teenager can drive anywhere they want and bring their friends along. Unfortunately, many teenagers forget the dangers that also come along with operating a vehicle. As a result, teenagers are required to complete a driver’s education course and hold a permit for six months while completing the required amount of driving hours. After one has completed all these requirements, one is allowed to take their driving test and get their license. The most important process of getting a license is the driver’s education because of the knowledge that it provides to the user. With driving it is important that the driver is knowledgeable of all the road regulations before they get into a vehicle.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) motor vehicles are considered the number one accidental deaths for teenagers in America. The cause of these accidents can be reckless driving, which is classified as speeding, ignoring signs, improper turns, right-of-way mistakes and alcohol usage. In 2019 Over 2,000 teens were killed because of reckless driving. The specific of the reckless driving can be broken into these statistics by the CDC. 40% of vehicle crashes involving teenagers happened between 9pm and 6am. 39.0% of teenagers who completed the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that they text and drive. 31% of male drivers were involved in fatal crashes involving speeding. 24% of teenage drivers were killed in car accidents involving drinking. 60% of teens in vehicle crashes were not wearing seatbelts. Even with all these statistics regarding fatalities, teenagers continue to drive recklessly.

With drivers’ education it is hopeful that a teenager will learn about the rules of the road and how to drive safely. In Ohio before a teenager completes a driving course, they are required to study the driving handbook and apply for a driving permit. The driving handbook is the first step to taking a precaution on the road. The handbook has information on traffic signs, speed limits, and how to operate your vehicle. For those interested in the handbook your local BMV (Berau of Motor Vehicles) should have a handbook for free. After the teenager has thoroughly read the handbook, they are allowed to apply for a permit. A 75% or more must be received in order to receive a permit. After the teenager has completed this they must drive with anyone 21 years or older and complete 50 hours of driving and 10 of those being at night. While the teenager is driving accompanied it is important that the adult points out any mistakes that are being made while driving. It is also important that the driver applies everything from the handbook. After the driver receives practice, they should apply for driving school because it could potentially save their life when they become a licensed driver. Drivers’ education can be beneficial to anyone but especially teens because they are new to driving. The course will educate one on the regulations of driving, legal actions of driving, and what not to do as a driver. It also provides eight hours of driving with a licensed teacher who can showcase the right ways of maneuvering. Before the teenager completes the eight hours of driving, they are required to complete a test based on their knowledge of driving. If they pass the test, then they can complete their eight hours and receive a certificate of completion. To a teenager this may seem like a lengthy process but view it as saving a life.

Driving accidents can be preventable by checking your car before you drive off, such as the tires and underneath your car. Also make sure to check yourself, make sure you are not tired, emotionally disturbed or drunk. When you enter your vehicle make sure to check all your surroundings before you drive away and as you’re on the road pay attention to your surroundings and do not speed. If you get distracted easily then there is no reason to play music while you drive. Continuously, do not pick up your phone for any reason when operating a vehicle. Limit the time you drive at night and always wear aseatbelt. If one is to follow all this advice while driving, I believe that driving accidents would happen less.

Nobody is a perfect driver and even your own family makes mistakes such as my best friend, Marissa. While she was driving the car, she had her music turned all the way up and she decided to take a glimpse at her phone. I was also on my phone, so I was not paying attention to the road. When I looked up from my phone, I saw that Marissa had passed a red light and almost hit a car. She had to swerve the car to another director in order to avoid a deadly accident. Marissa first mistake was having the music too loud and then getting on her phone which led to irresponsible driving.

As a driver I plan to only drive when I am in a calm mindset, always check my surroundings, and keep distractions out of my sight. I plan to always wear a seatbelt no matter how short the distance and to always be alert. If I am ever to consume alcohol, I will make sure to take a uber home. Regarding other drivers, I believe I could spread a message on social media about how to be safe while driving which can help others. Continuously, while I’m in the car with another driver I can do my best to remove distractions, and this can help all drivers to be safe on the road.