Driver Education Initiative – In the Driver’s Seat

Brandon
Terrazas

November 4, y

In
the Driver’s Seat

The
importance of drivers ed is crucial to reducing the number of
deaths due to car accidents. Drivers have a responsibility to be
safe. Not just for themselves, but also for others. I think that once
somebody understands how important it is for him/her to be safe
behind the wheel, then they could change themselves and also
influence people in their lives.

I
think the first step is to invest in a car that has top notch safety
features. There are cars nowadays that will even move the wheel for
you when you are about to hit a car, or even beeps when there is
somebody around you to make sure you stay alerted. Another helpful
step is investing in a mount for your phone to influence you to keep
your phone out of your hands. A lot of people I think get paranoid
when their phone is in a cup holder or just laying somewhere in the
car so it influences them to keep an eye on it. Having a phone on a
mount will keep you safe by keeping your eyes on the road instead of
your phone.

There
is one bad experience I’ve had with unsafe driving that I will
never forget. Back in the early 2000’s when I first started driving
I made the mistake of driving after drinking. It was 2 AM, I was
driving from Santa Cruz to San Jose on Highway 17. Now, for those who
know that highway you know that, that is not the highway you want to
be driving while intoxicated. Why did I do it? At that time my
parents didn’t care too much about me nor did I really care about
myself, which made me not really care about others. But that drive
changed my life. It was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever
experienced. I almost knew for a fact that I was going to die, I was
beyond scared. With luck, I ended up getting home safely, but not
with a peace of mind. Feelings of embarrassment and shame surrounded
me. What right do I have to put other peoples lives in danger? I
really don’t. I never felt so ashamed in my entire life and ever
since that night I have never driven drunk again. I found this sort
of care for myself that night and also empathy for others lives. I
didn’t want to put people in danger and did not want to put my life
in danger either ever again. It was a night that changed my life
forever.

Transportation
apps are useful when you do not feel safe to drive. Putting your
phone on do not disturb while driving is also crucial. Helping others
be safe can be challenging but I think that if you promote how
important it is so be safe on the road to others that will influence
the people you care about. By offering a ride or even having a
discussion with them about safe driving can change peoples
perspectives on caring about themselves and others safety.