Safe Driving is Key

Driver’s education emphasizes the necessity of road safety and the repercussions for disregarding it. One of the most unforgettable aspects of driver’s education is watching a film of actual people who have been wounded or lost a loved one because of violating the rules of the road. When receiving your license after taking a drivers course this film lingers with you and is a regular reminder of why the restrictions are established into place. All cars should be equipped with a breathalyzer in order to limit the number of deaths caused by driving. Those who believe they can drive under influence because the distance is small or because they are skilled drivers put everyone in danger. Also, everyone should be compelled to attend a driver’s education course despite their age; people purposely wait to get their license at 18 to avoid taking the course because they feel like it’s a waste of time. My parents taught me the fundamentals of driving, but attending the course taught me more advanced skills and rules that I would not have learned otherwise. Finally, everyone should be compelled to retake their driver’s license or knowledge-skills test every 5 to 10 years to ensure that they understand and adhere to the rules.

My mother was a young, single parent, so her decisions were not always the wisest or most prudent. She did not have much help with me, so when she had girl’s nights with her friends, I would frequently go along; they would usually be drinking wine, and we would drive home afterwards. At the time, I was unaware that she was driving under the influence, endangering not just her life but mine as well. Knowing what I know now as a driver I would never put myself at risk in such a way or any child. Some people have the misconception that, depending on the type of alcohol consumed, it is less dangerous to drive while inebriated, which is false. It is the individual’s responsibility to decide whether or not to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or smoking illegal substances. The first time I witnessed a loved one involved in a car accident, I immediately envisioned the worst potential results. The person at fault was driving recklessly and ran a stop sign as if it were not there for a reason. My brother, who was 19 years old at the time, called me immediately. I questioned my brother if he was using his phone or speeding because I knew he did both while driving, putting himself and others at risk. Fortunately, he wasn’t. The fact that the other individual who struck him was on the phone is what motivated him to run through the stop sign. This was an excellent illustration for my brother as to why he shouldn’t use his phone while driving, as your focus gets deflected even if you believe it isn’t, and he very well could have lost his life had he been using his phone. People should be able to give up these dangerous habits without firsthand experience; my brother escaped with minor injuries, but he learned a valuable lesson, and I have not seen him use his phone behind the wheel since then.

I always drive for myself and others while I’m behind the wheel, and I remind others why it’s so important to be a safe and prudent driver. Before I received my license, I took a driver’s education course, which was one of the most important steps I took to become a safer and better driver. I was taught the essentials of driving on the road, whether they be minor or large, as well as frequent driving myths. I always speak up when I observe someone doing something improper while driving, regardless of its significance. The little mistakes made on the road may not seem like a huge deal, but one day can make all the difference in preventing a car accident. Moreover, while driving, I avoid looking at my phone at all costs and try to implant this belief in my loved ones; whoever may be texting or contacting you is not worth your life or the lives of others on the road; they can wait, and you can respond to them quickly after your journey. If a person feels it is imperative to respond to texts or phone calls promptly, they can have a passenger do it for them so they can keep their focus on the road. Lastly, when driving, if I am uninformed of a certain road law, I always educate myself and others, just in case they are also unaware; keeping informed can only help. Being receptive enables me to become a better and safer driver; when someone offers constructive criticism, they are attempting to be helpful rather than critical, which can only benefit my driving abilities.