Name: Lauren Carr
From: Lubbock , TX
Votes: 0
Wise Driving Saves Lives
2
Lauren Carr
Drivers Education
25 November 2020
May 8th, 2019, the long-awaited day when I could independently sit in the driver’s seat of my car, and take myself wherever my heart desired. To get to this day, the day I passed my driving test, I had to go through Driver’s Education Classes, record a specific number of supervised driving hours, and mindfully practice keeping myself and others safe on the road. Driver’s Education, while talked down upon by some, proved to be an invaluable course to me as a new driver. I learned not only how to drive correctly, but how to be proactive, obey traffic laws, drive focused, and avoid putting myself and others in danger. Each of these lessons allows me to be an active participant in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving.
On the very first day of Driver’s Education class, my nerves threatened to keep my feet stuck outside the door. However, my desire to drive willed my body forward. Little did I know that driving was not all that I had made it out to be. Driving is a serious responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. I quickly learned several steps that exist to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first thing one must always do before driving the car is to check and make sure that all parts of the vehicle are in proper condition, which includes checking your tires, lights and brakes, windshield wipers, and the amount of gas you have left. Once all of this is noted the driver needs to buckle up and position themselves comfortably in their seat. Only when the driver and the car are physically and mentally sound should the drive embark on the journey to their destination. On the road, some steps the driver can take to maximize safety include avoiding distractions, obeying all laws, and keeping a safe distance between themselves and others. Placing electronics and other distracting devices ensures minimal interruption while on the road. Choosing not to drink under the influence of drugs or alcohol could potentially save a life. Obeying traffic laws may seem like a simple task, but many people choose to ignore these laws, which result in injuries and even death. Speeding to arrive on time will not be worth it if you or another human end up in the hospital. Not yielding because you are distracted will not be worth it if you or another human find yourself in the hospital. Tailgating the car in front of you because they made you mad will not be worth it. Think before you act and if not, you may regret it.
Unfortunately, I have seen friends of mine drive irresponsibly. The accidents and tickets they have received could have been avoided had they chosen to pay attention to the traffic signs, put their phones down, and remember the lessons they learned in Drivers Education. As an advocate for safe driving, some steps I take daily and encourage others to take include: placing all distracting devices at an arms-length distance, only driving when I am focused and well-rested, and making smart decisions. By keeping devices out-of-reach, I ensure that nothing inside my car could tempt me to endanger myself or another person. Driving focused and well-rested allows me to give undivided attention to the task at hand: arriving from point A to point B safely. Lastly, choosing to make wise decisions benefits all drivers and pedestrians on the road. As someone who values the safety of others and myself, I remember the lessons I learned in Drivers Education and share with others the importance of smart, safe driving. May 8th, 2020, marked one year of me driving independently. While it has been a blast, I remember the seriousness of making smart choices when I am behind the wheel.
