Driver’s Education

As a teenager with lots of homework, hectic school schedule, and sports practice, the last thing I wanted to do was add yet another class to my already busy schedule. I was excited to learn how to drive but I didn’t want to spend all my free time in a classroom learning the boring rules of the road. My parents are not the best drivers in the world, and they don’t have the knowledge of the driving world. Taking driver’s ed allowed me to practice driving on the road with a clear understanding of the rules and safety measures ahead of time, rather than learning them on the go. I learned to anticipate the steps needed to arrive safely at my destination, as well as keeping in mind the guidelines for doing so, and in turn felt more confident when I got let loose on the road. Confidence in my driving abilities allowed me to respond more effectively, comfortably, and naturally in difficult driving situations, and as a result become a safer driver. Going through a driver’s education class reduces the number of fatal accidents and violations especially amongst us young drivers. Teens who have not enrolled in a driving school are more likely to violate rules they don’t know about and get tickets and or more likely to get into fatal accidents.

Accidents can be prevented if we embrace safety not just as a priority but as an obsession. I always insist that all passengers are buckled up in every seat. I will never get behind the wheel if I’m impaired by alcohol or drugs and I will never ride with anyone who is impaired. Even one drink compromises your ability to drive safely. I will never think that being on time is worth risking the life and safety of myself or others. Better late than not at all. I will never overestimate my ability to multitask. Text messages are not important enough that they can’t wait until the car stops. Phones are not the only distractions while driving. Eating fast food and changing radio stations can also take your eyes and mind off the road. I will never fall prey to the believe that it won’t happen to me because it can happen to anyone and has happened to friends of mine. I try to make safety not just my top priority but my only concern while I’m driving.

As I reached driving age, my parents wanted to start using better driving skills than they had been using to help guide me. They believed they were better drivers than they really were. They took unnecessary risks that an unexperienced driver like me would not be able to take. My mom was always speeding to pass another vehicle, beat a traffic light, and developed a bad habit of accelerating fast. Both parents let their emotions drive the automobile overruling their better logical judgement. They began to realize that they were teaching me to speed and drive reckless which would be hazardous and dangerous and may cause sudden emergencies. They wanted to teach me that peer pressure from others to do what’s cool and risky should never override the voice of reason they put screaming inside my head to do what’s right and safe. Once I got my driver’s permit, I had to drive my mom everywhere we went for a full year before she let me get my license and drive on my own without her. She wanted to make sure that I had enough experience and good judgement and was prepared to handle any situation that occurred while I was driving in which only time and maturity could provide. She made sure that I could drive as well at night as I could in the daylight.

To be a better and safer driver I need to start with sitting the appropriate distance from the steering wheel and making sure my mirrors are adjusted properly. Being an athlete helps reinforce that mind body connection to keep me from feeling exhausted after commutes through heavy traffic. I make a conscious effort to focus more on the road and less on everything else. It helps me to think about my route before setting off on my journey. It is important to keep pace with traffic but a little extra space between me and the other cars can’t hurt. My mom has Allstate insurance, so we have the apps that offer rate discounts according to our driving. Anytime I speed, drive too slowly, take corners too quickly, accelerate too quickly, or slam on my brakes she gets notified. This has helped me not to establish any bad habits or behaviors before they started.