In The Driver’s Seat, the power of YOU

Driving to me is an enjoyable part of my life now. When I realized that I could start the driver’s education courses, it began a new phase of my life. I was excited and the whole process was just exhilarating. I started with the classes that were self-paced and started practicing driving in my dad’s car with my Dad and Grandpa. Finishing the classes online and in person felt like forever but it was worth every day and week.

Being a safe and educated driver is extremely important. Taking the courses online taught me the information that I needed to learn about being a safe driver. My parents enrolled me in a parent-taught driver’s education where I was able to learn the theory and learn and practice behind-the-wheel driving. This experience changed my perspective on driving as a whole and I realized how a driver impacts others while driving and how fragile life is. After getting my permit, I started driving with my dad/mom and learning the streets, and safety rules, and teaching myself to be a more confident and safe driver.

The importance of driver education helped me understand traffic laws, vehicle movements, reducing risk while driving, and how to keep a sharp mind without distractions. Having a driver’s education teaches one to learn defensive driving, help us understand the different accident types, and thereby reduces the probability of an accident. It also taught me the adverse effect of alcohol and other drugs and their impact on driving. Understanding how to manage oneself in adverse conditions can reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. As the statistics indicate, in America an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. Reducing this number is the responsibility of each and every driver and each one of us is accountable when we take our car and drive on the street. Being in the driver’s seat is a great responsibility that has a lot of power. Once we have that power, it is essential to use it wisely.

The driver’s education classes are the start of learning how to drive safely. Reducing the number of deaths related to driving can be achieved by driving at a distance and driving strategically where the mind is active and knows when to break and when to accelerate. It is important to remove any distractions and never to drive when drowsy or driving under the influence.

I remember a time when my dad got into a car accident, it was not his fault at all but the mistake of the other driver who crossed the road with incoming traffic. It was the irresponsibility and distraction of the other driver which could have led to a tragic event for my own family. My dad’s critical thinking, his experiences of driving, and being mindful while on the road eventually protected him even though the car he drove was completely damaged. I was grateful for my dad’s life and this incident changed my life forever. I was determined that when I was to start driving I would ensure that driving safely was a top priority in my life. I would go through the classes diligently, taking every step to complete each topic and lesson, complete the tests and get the certificate of completion. After which I wanted to do the practical learning while in the driver’s seat and then gradually take the driving test.

Some of the steps I can take to be a safer driver and help others become safer on the road would be to model a safe driving standard myself, that is walking the talk. This would include wearing seat belts while driving at all times which reduces the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%. Another way is to avoid speeding, which has an impact on the driver, the vehicle, the road, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. It is important to identify risks while driving, be alert, follow traffic guidelines, and be accountable while in the driver’s seat.

As I continue my journey driving the roads, I promise to remember what I learned in my driver’s education class and my online and on-the-road classes. Having the knowledge is essential to prevent dangers faced while driving and make the road safe for everyone. All these together will help me while in the driver’s seat to be a safe and responsible driver who can make a greater impact on the community around me.