Being a responsible driver

Celeste E. Zuniga-Corona

If every teen or adult took drivers ed then there would be less car crashes and will recieve less traffic violations. Studies show that if you take a drivers class then within the first two years of taking the classes then there would be less fatalities. Between the ages of 16-18, there is more crashes than the adults older than that. Taking lessons would help by becoming more comfortable driving behind the wheel. It is better to drive behind the wheel with the knowledge of road signs and what to do when you do get pulled over. I remember the first time I had gotten pulled over and I didn’t know what to do until I remembered what I learned in class.

There are many easy steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The main point is to always follow the traffic laws, avoid distractions, and don’t drink and drive. That includes alcohol and drugs. If you are under the influence of it then make sure that you have a designated driver with you that has their license and is willing to drive you anywhere. Make sure that the roads are safe for you and everyone else. If you cause an accident then make sure you report it right away. Make sure you get enough sleep so you don’t fall asleep while being behind the wheel. Being in college and working full time, I remember there are some times where I almost fell asleep behind the wheel but I had to wake myself up. If you are falling asleep, you can always pull over and put your hazard lights on. It is better to pull over and get a power nap than causing an accident. You can always call someone to come pick you up. One of the most important steps to not cause an accident is to always wear a seat belt! Make sure that every passenger in your car is wearing a seat belt because they are under your care. And you will be responsible for them. If you are a beginner in driving make sure you keep it slow. You can always get one of those stickers where it says “I’m a beginner driver, please be patient.” that way they don’t honk to get you nervous. If you are running late, DO NOT DRIVE FAST! Make sure you obey traffic laws! It is better to drive safe than cause a life.

I have only been in one car accident but it was being a bus was going through a short cut and didn’t watch where they were going. The bus driver was going over the speed limit. We were lucky that all of us were okay. The only damage was to the car. The driver was trying to make sure we were okay and the bus driver had to make sure that everyone on the bus was okay as well.