Listen, Ask, Learn, Anticipate

Listen, Ask, Learn,
Anticipate

By Morgan Bentley

Drivers ed is important
in reducing the number of deaths because it gives a student a solid
foundation of information to build upon. It enables students to more
closely identify with the signs, rules and regulations their parents
have been following for years. In a way, it “wakes kids up” from
their slumber. I remember taking Drivers ed and it brought to
light all the important decisions my parents had been making daily
when they drove me to school or extracurricular activities. As a
child, we take for granted that it looks so easy, when drivers are
making split second decisions each time they get behind the wheel. I
enjoyed my class as well as the ability to take driving lessons from
my parents and a driving school.

Many steps can be taken to
reduce the number of deaths – the most important of all is to be a
defensive driver. Anticipate what may happen, come up with possible
scenarios in your head if something were to go wrong and always scan
the roads. While you need to keep your eye on the road ahead, you
also need to scan to your side and look in your rear-view mirror.
Furthermore, reduce distractions in the car – place your cell phone
on silent and put it in the back seat so you are not tempted to look
at a text or answer a call. Reduce or eliminate the radio and when
you first have a license and your parents give you the green light to
go, do so cautiously and by yourself. My parents said I could drive
in stages – first by myself with no distractions and then
eventually I could add passengers, but only one at a time.

To become a better and safer
driver, one should never stop learning and asking questions. Ask
more experienced drivers to explain rarely seen signs and discuss
possible scenarios. Start driving on familiar roads and always give
yourself ample time to reach your destination. Put down your cell
phone and focus on the task of driving. Use the map with voice
feature on your phone or plan your route before getting in the car.
Keep the radio turned down, maintain the vehicle per guidelines and
remember to always look out for what may lie ahead. Obviously, never
drive while under the influence or if you are very tired. Listen,
ask, learn, anticipate.

As I was learning to drive, my
mother was extremely nervous to drive with me, but my father was more
comfortable. Consequently, most of my driving lessons took place with
my dad in his large truck. Upon completion of my first permitted
year, I took the test and passed with flying colors! My parents
allowed me to start driving to school (about 2 miles away) and I
would take the longer route which had all right turns vs. the one
with more congestion. Over time, I became more comfortable in my
skills and so has my mother!