Leading By Example

Driver education is one of the most important factors in being a safe and defensive driver. I remember being a fifteen year old in drivers ed, thinking that I already knew everything there is to know about driving. Of course, this was not the case in reality. The importance of road safety knowledge did not phase me until I got behind the wheel of a car with my driving instructor who was required to drive with me for eight total hours per the drivers’ education school I attended. The lectures from driving school that I was only half listened to came in handy throughout my time behind the wheel with my instructor. Of course, there were some close calls and reminders of rules, but those eight hours with my driving instructor may have, quite literally, saved lives. If I had not realized that I, in fact, did not know everything about road safety and not been forced to listen to the wise words of my driving instructor for those eight hours, I may not be alive today, along with possible others.

I believe that in order to reduce the number of driving related deaths, each driver must take it upon themselves to be cautious, courteous, and educated. Unfortunately, I do not think there is a way to mass spread the importance of safe driving because of the soul fact that people do not care or have the time to worry about it. I would have liked to come up with an elaborate plan to promote safe driving, but I do not think it is realistic. The best way to influence people is to lead by example, and this has proven to be a fact in many situations in my life. If one were to sit and calculate, I am sure that each driver has had hundreds of passengers in their car. I for one, know I have. Many of which are not even of age to drive, as I am the oldest sibling and cousin, and a designated chauffeur instructed by my mother. I was always known around my family and friends for being a really great driver, and it is something I take pride in personally. I have seen the effects of my driving not only keep me and my passengers safe, but also influences two of my cousins who are now sixteen to also become responsible, safe drivers. Then, they will be able to be the same influence for their passengers, and the ripple effect continues. My family always jokes that good driving runs in the family, but I firmly believe that my cousins noticed my safe and cautious driving habits and implemented them into their own driving. Overall, the most realistic and effective way to reduce vehicular deaths is to lead by an example of a defensive driver.

There is an eternal struggle between driving and cell phones. I see the effects of these two things together all too much. Teens are, in fact, addicted to their phones. I can admit that I am one of those teens. Our whole world revolves around them, which is the sad reality we live in today. I know many people who have popped tires, hit curbs, and rear ended other vehicles just because they glanced at their phone. My own mother rear ended someone when approaching a stopped car at a red light. This was all because she was texting on her phone. Thankfully, I was not in the car but I did reap the consequences of her actions when our only car was totaled. From then on, I have never seen my mother look at her phone in the car again. I have never gotten into any kind of driving accident, and I try to prevent that everyday. The one thing I really should work on when driving is not looking at my phone at all. Although I would say I’m not as bad as most, all it takes is one glance, one change of song, one text message and my life is over in an instant. From now on, I realize that I need to put my phone away where I cannot just move my hand to grab it while driving. This will further my example as a great driver, to an even better driver.