Drivers’ education

Hearing about car accidents on the news or radio is terrifying enough. Nevertheless, these problems can be solved if one has the proper education and understanding of being behind the steering wheel. One will not be complaining about the price of taking a driver’s license class.

Unfortunately, I cannot speak from experience, for I fear getting behind the wheel. However, I do have experience and being a witness to irresponsible driving, and the most remarkable examples are my brother and father. There is little understanding as to why my brother drives the way he does, but it does not justify his reason for doing so. Sure, he did get the proper education to become the best driver he could be, but since my brother was being watched, he was just playing it safe before driving on his own. Going faster than he should be, be it on the highway or the streets close to home or downtown, danger could be lurking anywhere. My mother and I had to tell him or even yell at him to slow down because, at those times, he nearly hit the back of someone else’s car. He, however, wasn’t the most significant menace on the road and behind the wheel, to me, that is. My father is an impatient man, but he also gets reckless under the influence; only God knows the why and how my mother and I are still alive.

And it is because of these things’ accidents happen and helps others understand the dangers of driving. So yes, it is a privilege to be capable and allowed to move around in a car, but things can go downhill if you start taking advantage of that privilege. Taking classes to obtain one driver’s license can be costly to those that don’t have the money, but don’t let that stop you. You will be able to drive wherever you want, but they will also teach you how to prevent an accident. The phrase “rules are mostly made to be broken and are too often for the lazy to hide behind” –Douglas Macarthur may sound cool or whatever but trying saying that when your life is literally on the line because you chose to break the law.

It won’t kill you to follow short and simple steps to stop or, more accurately, reduce the number of car accidents. But, for all the drivers out there, old or new, whenever you are about to go for a ride, be it by yourself, family or friends, always buckle up in every seat. Of course, there are many more rules to follow, but the most important of them all don’t ever, and I mean ever, use the phone while driving. I don’t care how good you are at multitasking; that isn’t an excuse to use your phone. Text or call after the drive from point A to point B. And another rule that you must follow at all times, if you drink or smoke, isn’t my problem; however, don’t ever try driving under its influences. Again, I don’t care if you have conducted under those influences for years; just one wrong move and you will either end up in the hospital or six feet under; you decide.

As I said before, I don’t drive because I fear that something may happen; but that won’t stop me from learning what not to do while moving in a vehicle. Likewise, just because drinking or smoking isn’t my thing doesn’t mean that I may start such habits over the years. And if I were to start driving, I would follow the rules, learn the meaning of the signs set on the road, and to always pay close attention to the road in front of me. Unfortunately, even we are careful, educated, and respectful drivers, it doesn’t mean that an accident won’t happen. It could be others that may cause the tragedy, but as long as it isn’t you, all is good. Remember that it doesn’t hurt to be a goody to shoes from time to time, for it can save your life and others.

So don’t think that having to take a class just to learn how to drive is a pain in the neck; tell yourself that you earned the right to get behind the wheel and drive away. Don’t take advantage of that hard-earned privilege; yes, I’m talking to you; please don’t let all those hours of studying go to waste. Be the role model to the old and new.