Name: Duyen Phan
From: Seattle, Washington
Votes: 0
Living in Seattle, I
have experienced numerous car accidents passing through the freeway.
I have gone to realize that young people don’t always take driver’s
education seriously. They perceive it as an obstacle to getting their
driver’s license. What young people don’t realize is the importance
among the lessons and implications taught in drivers ed.
They save people’s lives including their own. The excitement of
driving makes young people forget the rules implemented on the road.
For example, looking both directions at intersections, driving with
both hands, and not going over the speed limit. I have seen people my
age driving recklessly on the freeway while their friends record it
on Snapchat. Making them seem “cool” as they carelessly let go of
the wheel on the freeway. Teenagers often see the driver’s license as
a ticket to their freedom. Not realizing they are inexperienced on
the road and will endanger people’s lives.
Additionally, the
steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to
driving is firstly on the parents. According to “cdc.gov,” “In
2016, 2,433 teens in the United States ages 16–19 were killed and
292,742 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered
in motor vehicle crashes.” The age group with the highest rate of
car accidents are often teenagers or young adults. I believe parents
should be implementing more practice with their child before letting
them drive on their own. Most often once the child has gotten their
driver’s license, the parents or guardians believe they are
experienced. Which is not true and should be carefully looked at.
Secondly, make sure the policy “no drinking and driving,” is
seriously implemented in their heads. Sometimes teenagers are rash
and thoughtless. They won’t care about the age limit for drinking
and could do it behind their parents back. It’s up to the parents
to look after their child on that issue. Lastly, they shouldn’t use
their phone when driving on the road. It’s extremely dangerous and
it’s often glossed over in the past. Some people believe that after
driving for a while it’s okay to multitask. We need full attention
when driving. That’s why distracted driving is considered
potentially harmful to other drivers.
Incidentally, I am
fortunate to have never experienced a car accident. However, I have
seen my parents sometimes doing some reckless things while driving.
For example, my mom would try to text while driving and my dad would
sometimes not stop completely at a stop sign. I have learned to not
follow their behaviors and reminded them to stop several times. They
have improved their behaviors over time and I would suggest my mom
put the “Do not Disturb” mode on in the future.
In the end, I will
be a better driver by reminding myself that I’m not above the law.
Also, by following the steps I mentioned above. I will make sure to
stay focused on the road and follow the rules even when other drivers
aren’t.
