Anything Can Happen in the Driver Seat

Anything Can Happen in the Driver Seat

By: Ana Sierra

11/17/2020

Once you enter middle school one of the things you can’t wait to do when you get older is drive. The opportunity to drive for a middle school kid is like a green light to freedom and a way to look more independent. But once you get older you realize that driving is no joke. The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving, especially in young drivers, is because it allows them to understand that driving comes with a huge load of responsibility. As young drivers go through the drug and alcohol course, they will learn that drugs and alcohol do not go great together and learn that the first thing that alcohol affects is your judgement. Furthermore, when they are done with that, they will take their written exam where they will answer questions about what they learned on the course, road signs and what they are expected to do on the road. Lastly, they will drive with a driving instructor where they can apply safe driving and eventually received a license.

Moreover, the steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths due to driving is making sure drivers put on their seat belts, adjust their seats, check mirrors and make sure they are good physically and emotionally ready to drive before turning on the car. Doing this before driving ensures that you are a safe driver and that you are not a danger to others on the road. Knowing if you are physically and emotionally ok can be a big factor in driving since emotions can get you distracted on the road just like texting, drinking and adjusting the radio. Make sure you are in a good place emotionally and are well rested to go on with your day on the road.

Lastly, I have never been in an accident or experienced my friends or family drive irresponsibly but sadly, I have known people that have been injured or have passed away due to car accidents. With the stories that I’ve heard from my friends that have made it and the stories that people have told me about those who unfortunately didn’t, they were hit my drunk drivers. What I would want everyone to take from the stories that I’ve been told or even the experiences that they know is that you can be the safest driver and follow all the rules of the road but it can take one irresponsible driver to end it all. The steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver is to avoid road rage because if you give attention to those drivers it will just end up worse for you. Another thing to do is be extra careful driving when others are in the car since it not just your life. Other steps to take would be helping the driver with directions. Instead of them looking at their phone and driving at the same time the passenger should hold the phone and direct them where to go. With that said, remember drive with caution.