Driver’s ED

Drivers Ed is a necessary step in learning how to drive and operate a vehicle. Learning to drive is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a hefty consequence if you drive recklessly. Drivers Ed not only teaches us how to learn to drive, but it also teaches us how to be safe drivers.

The best way to reduce fatalities related to driving is not to drive distracted or recklessly. Be sure to buckle your seat belt and ask others to do the same, obey all road signs and speed limits, be sure to drive well rested and avoid being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Seven years ago, I was responsible for a car accident because I was driving distracted. I am ashamed of myself for it, and I have learned a valuable lesson.

I have learned it’s imperative to create a distraction-free zone. We should only stay focused on driving and nothing else. I check all of my mirrors and make any adjustments and be sure to adjust my radio accordingly before leaving my driveway.

I have turned my phone off entirely or silence it until I reach my destination and keep the phone away from me so I won’t have the temptation to check it. I have also downloaded the “AT&T DriveMode” on my phone to detect when the vehicle is moving and automatically alerts others that you’re driving and that you will reply when it’s safe to do so. I know that if I need to make a call or send a text message that I will make it a point to pull over and park in a safe area. I refuse to let my phone endanger myself or others while I’m behind the wheel.

Sometimes I find myself daydreaming at times or looking at something other than the road. Whether it’s by a horrible car accident or viewing the sunrise, and it distracts us away from what is in front of us. I have noticed that when I feel like my mind is somewhere other than the road, it’s usually the result of me being tired. Either I didn’t sleep well the night before, or I’m coming home from working an overnight shift. I noticed if I roll down the window and letting the cold wind hit my face and hearing the world’s sound, it usually helps me stay alert.

The steps I have taken to prevent distracted driving is not to consume food behind the wheel. We can’t neglect the importance of staying hydrated, especially behind the wheel, and investing in a thermal to keep cold drinks cold and hot beverages hot.

While it’s essential to keep your eyes and mind on the road, we are only humans nonetheless, and we will all make mistakes. We can’t 100% prevent all distractions or accidents, but we should take the proper precautions to avoid endangering ourselves and others while behind the wheel.

I have reminded everyone in my life not to become a distracted driver because you can kill yourself and others. I could have seriously injured the occupants in that truck seven years ago or, worse, be responsible for their death and live with that guilt forever.

We can’t control what people do in their car; we can always set an example for others. It’s even more essential to set a positive example for children because even though we may assume they aren’t paying attention to us, they are.

After my car accident seven years ago, I have learned that one mistake on my part can instantly cost someone their life and the life of my own. I’ve also learned that driving is a privilege, not a right, and we should all treat it as one.

One sound of a “ping” on the phone can wait.