The truth behind driving

While getting your driver’s license may be a very exciting time, most people tend to forget about the realistic details and dangers that take place when being behind the wheel. Having a legal driver’s license comes with an abundance of serious obligations and responsibilities, that if not followed, can result in serious consequences.

Driver’s education is one of the most important parts behind having a license. By completing your driver’s ed, you are absorbing and acknowledging the laws, the signs, and the responsibilities behind being a driver, which can save lives, whether one realizes it or not. For example, if an individual is not fully educated on driving, they might not know the common courtesies that take place on the road. This could be anything from rightaways, to the simple aspect of letting someone over in your lane. The smallest things can cause a car accident, which is why it is so important that every person who is behind the wheel driving, is properly educated.

Multiple steps can be taken to lower the number of deaths related to driving. One big example is to require in person drivers education classes. With this, instructors can confirm that individuals are receiving the information they are taught, and paper testing them so they are unable to cheat, and their real knowledge is tested. Therefore, making sure that drivers are properly educated, and lowering the risk of possible incidents from uneducated drivers. Another way to lower the amount of driving related deaths is to up the punishments for the individuals that break the laws. If a driver has a DUI, and OVI, or anything of that sort, after their first confrontation with police, their license should be taken away. There have been multiple instances where drivers have been convicted of a DUI, ETC.. and are sent on their way, with no punishment. Then a week later, the same thing happens again. There should not be a second time, people who chose to disobey the laws should be immediately punished when it comes to driving. Not only does it endanger themselves, but it also risks the lives of thousands of others.

In June of this year, my view on driving and following the road laws became much more serious. On June 14th I received the news that my cousin Jyan, 18, was killed the night before by a drunk driver. 24 year old Michael Ondreka ran a red light at 70 mph in a Ford Ranger, T-boning my cousin’s car, causing his car to spin off the road and land in a ditch. He then fled from the scene. My cousin was left there for dead. Later on when the ambulance finally arrived and took him to the hospital, he died. My cousin had graduated high school not even 3 weeks before his death. His girlfriend Kayla, 17, was expecting their baby boy, Toby. Toby is currently almost 3 months old, and has to grow up and live his life without a father. Jyan was on his way home from work that night, he did nothing wrong, and he lost his life. Michael is currently being charged on four accounts, 1st degree Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, 2nd degree Aggravated Homicide,1st degree operating a motor vehicle under the influence 6pts, and one count of driving under OVI suspension. His one decision to drive under the influence ruined multiple families, it ruined his future family.

Since the accident in June, I have become much more aware of the road laws. I have become more of a safe driver, and I have advocated for safe driving, and further driving education. I have told my teenage friends about the accident, and how they should make the smartest decisions they can while driving. I have become more cautious about my driving. If I feel that I am not in the right condition to drive and get to where I need to be safely, then I will hold back and take care of myself. I avoid going on Major exits and highways, unless necessary.

Almost anything can cause a car accident. It could be something so major, to something too particular and small. Driving education needs to be taught differently, to make sure that drivers are actually comprehending the information they are learning. By doing this, it can hopefully reduce the amount of vehicular accident deaths in the United States. Individuals need to learn the possible consequences from getting behind the wheel, and how serious they can be. From experience, I have started advocating for safe driving, and I have been advocating against drunk driving. Without change, how will we as a country be able to keep our drivers safe?