Passenger to Executer

Passenger to Executer

I am sitting in a car with my aunt, sliding left and right with every crazy turn made and thinking, “is driving really so abrupt!?” I grew up with no driving experience until age 16 (I am pretty sure you were as well!). I was nervous for my permit test and I passed it in my first attempt. Later I was nervous to sit in the car with my Drivers ED teacher and now I passed that class too. Now I am nervous for my Driving License Test and I am certain that I will pass that too. But what about after these things are over? Did these series of steps really prepare me for being a responsible driver on the road? I wonder if I could address the answers to these questions in this essay for all of the young drivers.

In my opinion, completing a driver’s education course prior to obtaining one’s license will help teenagers develop rudimentary vehicle control and traffic maneuvers. It teaches us how to safely operate a vehicle on busy interstates, at night, and during other dangerous driving circumstances. Although it may seem unimportant, driver’s education stresses the importance of adjusting a vehicle’s steering wheel, seat, and rear and side-view mirrors. It also allows for teens to practice communicating while driving, entering and exiting traffic, using turn lanes, changing lanes, and adjusting their vehicles’ speeds when necessary. In addition to practicing driving, teenagers learn about various traffic signals and markings on the roadway. One of the most important skills I was taught is the SAFE process: Scan, Assess, Find, and Execute. Through this process, we will be able to anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road, and we can avoid situations that could cause a crash. We learn to position ourselves better in traffic, to see traffic differently, position ourselves in a way that gives us more time to think and make the right decisions. This helps lower the number of teen deaths as a result of driving as it creates an awareness among them.

Few steps to reduce the number of deaths and to improve the driving ability are: obey the traffic laws, avoid distractions, get enough rest before driving, and steer clear of alcohol and drugs. We often think that being on time is most important only for us but we don’t realize that others also have to be on time. We should not play with other’s safety and lives. If you think a text message or phone call might be too important to wait, get to the rightest lane of the road and bring your car to a complete and safe stop. Also make sure your brakes are working properly, your mirrors and windows are clean, your wipers and defrosters are working, and your tires are properly inflated. The better the condition of your vehicle, the less are the chances of getting into a crash. Learn to respect and anticipate the actions of others. Drive only when you are in the sound physical and mental condition as these are the ultimate driving forces of your actions.

To be a better and safe driver keep a safe distance, minimize all distractions, and focus on driving. Adjust your seat and mirrors before putting the car in gear. Always keep your attention and eyes on the road, outside the windshield. Drive at the speed limit under normal conditions and during inclement weather, drive at slower speeds to avoid hydroplaning. Turn your low beam headlights on day or night when it is raining or if there is fog. Keep a distance of three seconds between two cars and a distance of one car between you and the car ahead of you while stopping as underestimating is the common problem. So try to avoid it. Always stay buckled up. Make sure you and every passenger with you is wearing the seat belt properly. Juggling with your radio station or music is extremely distracting while driving, so be sure to set your playlist before you start your trip. Few more tips are to use turn signals when maneuvering; completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed; expect other drivers to make mistakes. Finally, do not trust anyone but yourself and upon crash do not blame anyone as it could have been avoided. Focus on the road and be cautious. Always help others and be a better driver of the future.