Safe Driving: You are Responsible

Mikayla Higgins

The glowing signs on the express always catch my eye. They usually display catchy phrases encouraging people not to go above the speed limit or to simply keep their eyes on the road. I have only been a driver for two years, but I see the inefficient driving habits on all roads of my city. This not only affects the flow of traffic, but it puts pedestrians and other drivers in great danger. Many people my age brag about being able to drive fast and think of racing on the road as something fun to do, but they will not realize the importance of safe driving unless they are taught at a young age.

My school does not offer drivers education. This may be the case for other students as well. Due to this fact, it is the responsibility of a teen’s parents for their child to receive the proper driver skills and technique. From a young age, we all watch our parents. Many kids dream to be like their parents one day in all aspects. When we see our parents on the phone while driving or while driving is prone to do the same thing. It is one thing to tell a child to do something, but it is another to tell them to do something but continue to do the opposite of what you are telling them to do. This is why parents should not only teach by action but further teach their teens by providing them with the necessary resources to analyze the effects of unsafe driving.

One of the most important steps in reducing the number of deaths relating to driving is to start conversations about it. Although safe driving is a well-known topic, we can not expect any changes unless conversations are surrounding that topic. These conversations should start in a student’s freshman year of high school, if not sooner. Sophomore year is the year most students get their license, so it will be beneficial if they start learning the basics a year earlier. These conversations should be held by people who have jobs in the Department of Motor Vehicles. They should be invited to the schools for large group sessions so the entire student body can gain a refresher on the information each year and in small group sessions for freshmen so they can get a full view of the experience they will have with driving in the coming years. The intent of these conversations would be for teens to have some of the same conversations at home. They will now be able to point out when they see one of their family members bringing danger to other drivers and talk about safe driving at the dinner tables.

My mother does have bad driving habits, but as technology has improved, she has been able to navigate voice texting and phone calls through her car radio. Since I am aware of what distracted driving can cause, I have purchased a phone holder for when I need to use the global positioning system or for emergency purposes. Essentially, for me to become a better and safer driver personally, I must remain calm. Road rage is an aspect that plays a part in unsafe driving, but it is also something that can be easily prevented. To help others, I will point out when I see something that is unsafe. Just like the annoying high pitched sound cars make when you forget to buckle your seat belt, I will constantly remind people of their unsafe driving tactics.

Another life should not be lost due to the lack of driver education, or plain ignorance. It is our job to ensure that safe driving is not only encouraged, but placed as a priority for all people.