Every Time You Step into Your Vehicle You Take a Risk

Brylee Bone

September 13, 2020

Driver Education Essay

Every Time You Step Into Your Vehicle You Take a Risk

It is hard to contemplate that every time we step into a vehicle it could very well be our last. In the United States alone, it has been recorded that on average 34,000 die each year from driving. To eliminate the number of deaths from the cause of driving, it is important that one takes the steps to educate themselves on the serious task of driving. Proper driving education is crucial to not only protect others on the road but also to protect ourselves when we take on the vigorous task of driving.

In my state, it is suggested to study the guidelines and safety rules before taking on the written test when one turns 15. After preparing for the written test required before driving, one will have to pass before receiving their learners permit. Once the learners permit is obtained, a certain number of driving hours must be logged with an adult over the age of 21 present before the driver can get their intermediate restricted driver’s license at the age of 16. It is very important that an individual understands and comprehends the basics of the rules of driving in order to protect everybody on the roads. It is also vital that one receives the proper driving practice and instructions from a parent or guardian as well. From a personal perspective, I learned the most on how to drive while practicing with my parents; it was from their pointers and influence that I learned the majority about driving. I learned from their own personal experiences what to do and what not to do while driving.

Several steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. There are two main factors that come to mind when I think of decreasing the number of driving deaths: distracted driving and wearing your seatbelt. Distracted driving is a very serious issue from checking your phone to blaring your music to loudly. As tempting as it may be, checking your social media notifications on your phone is not as important as your life or the life of others. Also, wearing your seatbelt may not be the most comfortable thing, it is better than losing your life. Where I am from, there have been too many times where there has been a car accident and the person driving or the passengers were not wearing their seatbelts and have lost their lives. If only more people would become less distracted and wear their seatbelts a lot of lives could be saved on the roads.

Thankfully, I can say I have never been in a life threatening situation involving driving or any car accident. However, when my mother was in college, she was in a very serious car accident on the interstate. When telling the story she explained that it was raining very bad on the interstate and her car hydroplaned and flipped. Luckily, my mom was wearing her seatbelt and was not ejected from the vehicle. Her life was saved from the very act of clicking a seatbelt. However, weather is another critical factor when it comes to driving. When the weather is bad, you should try to avoid driving unless your destination is important.

To make the roads more safe for myself and others, I will try my best to decrease any distractions and become aware of my surroundings. Driving deaths can become less common if we strive to educate ourselves and think of things from a less selfish perspective. The next time I step into my car I will think of the importance of driving safely to protect not only myself but those around me as well.