Is it Worth It?

As I was growing up, safety and responsibility were always enforced. I was frequently told, “wear your helmet when you bike,” “look both ways before crossing the street,” and “always know your nearest exit incase of an emergency.” However, my role models were two rambunctious older brothers who often threw caution to the wind. I spent my days watching several hectic events unfold, and witnessing their consequences. From sneaking out, to skipping school, to a motorcycle accident, all of these events had one thing in common. My parents would simply ask, “Was it worth it?”.

When the time came for me to begin driving, I was enrolled in drivers education. Much like most other things in my life, I was very dedicated. I studied for all of the exams, participated in the classroom, and made sure to take my instructors corrections. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until the automobile fatalities were brought up that the instructor truly had me hooked. The basics of driving are certainly important: how to read the signs, when to yield and what to do in the event of an ambulance present. But the car accidents, those stuck with me. I will never forget the video we watched that showed just how devastating car crashes really are. Thankfully, I had never before experienced a car accident. Without this segment in drivers education, I would be much less cognizant of potential disasters on the road. There were a variety of explanations for the accidents that we discussed, such as texting, changing the music, looking at someone in the backseat, or being under the influence. Each of these topics were presented, and the recurring thought in my mind was, is it worth it? Are the deadly consequences of a car accident worth that last text message? How about finding that perfect song? Or even looking back at one of your friends? Driver’s education helped engrain this question in my mind.

I am fortunate to have avoided car crashes in my life thus far. Although, I have known some classmates and acquaintances of mine that drove irresponsibly. The most influential event I can recall was a car accident a couple years ago in New Gretna, Nebraska. A group of teenage girls had been heavily drinking one night, and they decided to get behind the wheel. One of them was completely sober, yet she was not the one driving. As they came upon a hill, the driver swerved into the other lane, not aware of the car coming towards them. The result was a head on collision that killed four of the five girls. This did not happen to me, or any of my close personal friends. But what really hit me was that it could’ve been, or could be, any one of us. Somebody two doors down from me could make that very same decision and end up in the same condition. Again I ask, is it worth it? No matter where you are going, it can wait if you are not in a position to drive. Whether you’re under the influence, tired, underage, or distracted, the prospective end result is simply not worth the risk.

In order to reduce driving related deaths, it is important to educate society on all of the hindrances of the road. Driver’s Ed is one of the best ways to make new drivers aware of these things. Another thing that I believe is important is for parents to educate their children. Yes, they will hear about the dangers in their driver’s education class. But the more they are exposed to this knowledge, the more likely it is to stick with them in the future. Peer pressure also needs to be addressed. I have seen firsthand numerous times where my friends gave in to something they didn’t want to do just because of the coercion they felt from their friends. Is this really worth it? Parents, mentors, friends, and siblings should have each other’s backs. It can be intimidating when the whole group of people is pulling you in a dangerous direction. If you have that one person that you can count on to help you be the voice of reason, the safer decision will be much easier to make. Overall, educating the public and being there for others could drastically decrease the number of automobile related deaths.

I consider myself a responsible driver, but there are countless principles that I had to implement in order to be where I am today. First off, silence your notifications while driving and put your phone in an area where the screen is not visible. This relieves the temptation to check the newest clothing item, or the newest instagram post. Secondly, it is extremely important to assess your surroundings. Not only should you be looking at the road ahead of you, but you should be aware of the cars behind you, the upcoming lights, brake lights ahead of you, cars turning into your lane, and a myriad of other things. In order to be a safe driver, you must be aware of all potential obstructions. Another thing I would advise is that when in doubt, call someone else. If you have to question whether you are able to drive safely at any given moment, it is not worth it. It is imperative to have someone you can rely on in these instances. Putting the responsibility onto someone else who is able and willing will save you from disaster.

The age that we start driving is a very crucial time in our lives. I cannot stress enough the importance of educating yourself/your children on the rules and dangers of the road. The safest and most effective way to do so is driver’s education. These classes will go through driving basics, problems that may occur on the road, the correct way to yield, park and turn, and the dangers of getting behind the wheel when not in the right condition. Driver’s Ed has left me well prepared for the years of driving ahead of me. As a result of this, I will never forget to consider, is it worth it?