Making and Modeling Safe Driving Habits Saves Lives

Being
able to drive places without needing a parent is freedom that every
American teen dreams of. Buying a first car is a milestone and a step
to adulthood and independence. However, as with most gifts of
freedom, there is a risk involved. Driving a car puts someone not
only in charge of their life, but other the lives of other people as
well. Thankfully, in order to get a car and license, teenagers must
go through drivers ed; which is designed to create safe,
responsible drivers. Teens must not know only how to drive and
operate a car; they also must know how to make responsible choices
and respect other drivers on the road. In drivers ed students are
taught how taking illegal substances can affect you while driving,
making yourself a danger to all on the road. Drivers ed is crucial
in creating drivers with safe habits and choices.

No
matter how experienced a driver someone thinks they are, no one
should ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Teenagers
often follow the example that is set for them so if they see their
parents or members of their community driving after drinking because
they “drink all the time” or “have been driving forever” then
it is not long before teens start doing that themselves. All it takes
is one quick, irreversible mistake that could cost lives.

My
father used to take drugs or drink “lightly” and then drive,
sometimes with me in the car. I never thought anything of it until my
mom asked me if I felt safe having him drive me to school in the
morning, that’s when I began to notice his reckless driving habits.
I trusted him and thankfully we were never in any kind of an accident
but no one is immune to the effects of addictive substances, even if
they believe they are.

I
never let my friends text and drive, I offer to text for them if
necessary. Many kids in my school believe that littering while
driving is not a big deal; so, if I am in the car with them, I will
take their garbage to a trash can for them. I practice driving in
small areas, especially since I get nervous while driving in city
areas. Limiting distraction and risk is important for me, I know that
all it takes is one second to change a life.