The Truth Behind Driving

The Truth Behind Driving

Drivers Education Programs are the first step to reducing the number of deaths caused by driving. In many cases, teenagers try to rush through the driving programs to get on the road faster. The lack of attention to the valuable lessons and fundamental principles that the Drivers Education Program offers allows unprepared and uneducated drivers to be on the road. These drivers are insufficient in the safety and maintenance of vehicles, understanding and interpreting traffic laws, and approaching emergency situations.

When a person sits behind the wheel, their first instinct should be safety. Checking their surroundings, making sure the vehicle is running correctly, and putting away all distractions is the best way to begin a car trip. While on the road, a person practicing safe driving will obey all traffic laws, be aware of other drivers, be well-rested, and not under the influence. Checking for blind spots, using turn signals, and keeping a proper distance between other vehicles are essential tasks to remember while driving. Drivers Education Programs provide new drivers with all of these crucial skills, and without them, more driving-related deaths occur.

I currently work as a Certified Nursing Aide for a woman who was in a severe car accident that left her paralyzed. In this situation, the person driving her vehicle was driving irresponsibly and ran a stop sign. Due to the driver running a stop sign, they were hit by an oncoming eighteen-wheeler. This small traffic violation caused the passenger of the car to now be wheelchair-bound. The passenger now requires daily care and undergoes many life-threatening surgeries at only the age of eighteen. Traffic laws as little as a stop sign can significantly alter the drivers’ lives and everyone involved.

Personally, I witness my age group driving under the influence, speeding, disregarding road signs, and driving while being distracted. Distracted and irresponsible driving isn’t limited to teenagers, but in fact, includes every age beyond the legal driving age. As humans, we can believe we are invincible, but that is merely not the truth. Turning all distractions such as a phone or music off can be a challenge. There are times when I am driving, and I choose to quickly look at my phone to check a text or change a song. By choosing to look at my phone for a split second, I am putting my own life in danger and everyone else around me. After meeting my patient who is paralyzed from a car accident, I have now pledged to drive responsibly with no distractions. Her story was an eye-opening tragedy that brought the repercussions of irresponsible driving to my attention. I now advocate for safe driving, and when I witness careless driving, I remind the driver of the life-altering consequences that could occur. I currently use the software on my phone that prohibits any incoming calls or texts while I am in the car to ensure that the temptation is removed. Now when I step behind the wheel, I am equipped with the knowledge and confidence to drive safely for myself and other drivers.