The Responsibilities of Driving

My
hands are at nine and three. My friends surround me, singing off-key
to the blaring radio. I check my mirrors, spotting their hands waving
with the song. The speed of the car seems to match their energy. I’m
in the far left lane, zipping by the other vehicles with a smile. I
feel utterly powerful.

The
next thing I know, I have lost control of the car.

This
scenario is hypothetical of course, but the temptation is real. It is
easy to get lost in the moment when driving with friends. Even so,
focus is imperative to being safe on the road. Drivers ed
stresses this and gives future drivers the knowledge they need to
fight temptation and drive responsibly. Students gain an
understanding for the importance of safe practices. By being aware of
the responsibilities of driving, teens may think twice about making
risky choices, and therefore have less fatalities. 

While
going places with friends is undoubtedly fun, it is important to not
forget that you, as the driver, have responsibility over the safety
of your passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, “the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct
relation to the number of teenagers in the car.” You have the
obligation to make sure that your passengers are no distraction to
your driving. Likewise, you have the obligation as a passenger to not
distract the driver. 

Distractions
are a main cause for crashes, whether it is a text message, a rowdy
friend, or even a loud radio station. By limiting
distractions—putting your phone on silent, asking your friend to
settle down, or turning off the radio until you are fully comfortable
with driving—you are much less likely to get into a perilous car
accident.

Most of us have seen
someone driving irresponsibly. For instance, my family member used to
always text while driving. After taking Drivers Ed and
learning about safe practices, I began to mention how I was
uncomfortable with her using her phone while in front of the wheel. I
even offered to read the messages for her so that she could focus on
the road. It is vital, as an educated passenger, to tell people when
you feel uncomfortable with their driving practices. You can make a
difference in others’ driving with the knowledge you learn in
Drivers Ed.

You
ultimately have control of whether your trip is completed in a safe
manner. Drivers ed boosts your knowledge and, with that,
your likelihood of becoming a safe driver. By heeding their warnings
to limit distractions and risks, you have the ability to make it to
your destination safely. To me, that
is what is powerful.