Driving is a Privilege

Many do
not realize that driving is a privilege, not a right. Even after
receiving a license, it is still a privilege; people are handling a
machine that is constantly a threat to them and everyone around them,
so it must be respected as one. Just like one would not take the
ocean and its waves lightly, one shouldn’t take chances with a car.
Luckily, I haven’t experienced any serious car accidents while a
passenger and have not had any accidents while driving myself, but I
have met drivers that took risks. I was once in a car with someone
who did not turn their head to check for any cars before switching
lanes; they just used their side mirrors. As a new driver at the
time, I learned the importance of double checking because of
blindspots. Although they trusted that no one else would be there or
would let them switch lanes, they were taking a huge risk; one should
always err on the side of caution.

Driver
education needs to become an essential part of the process of getting
a license instead of a bothersome task people easily skip or speed
through. Many do not realize that small actions that seem tedious and
unnecessary such as looking left and right or turning your head to
look over your shoulder when backing up are all seconds that could
save lives. Deaths can be significantly reduced if driving was not
all about just passing a test, but instead about learning and
implementing the skills taught to drive defensively and keep everyone
safe. It’s like school: if you only study and memorize to pass the
tests and class, that information will leave you quickly after;
however, if someone helps you actually learn, guiding you and helping
you figure out how to apply your knowledge to various situations,
this knowledge will stay with you. There is only so much preparing
one can do for driving; accidents are still bound to happen. However,
by going out on the road, already knowing how to react to situations
instead of learning after making possibly fatal mistakes, more lives
could be saved.

When I
was getting my license, I took more classes than necessary to ensure
that I was not developing any bad habits that I was unaware of.
Although there is much that parents or other adults can teach us
about driving, I believe that the number of hours that someone spends
with behind the wheel training with a professional should be
increased. The cars many schools use with the extra set of gas and
brake pedals helps new drivers feel safer while driving since they
know that there is someone who can take over if anything happens.
Driving well comes with years of experience after driving
consistently after receiving a license, but there should be a proper
foundation first that prepares people for this privilege of going out
on the road and driving. More hours and practice is equivalent to
more lives saved.