A Change of Perspective

When I was a young child, I never really recognized the risk factors of driving. My parents always made it seem like such an effortless thing to do. From my perspective, the only steps I saw them make were entering the car, fastening their seat belts, turning the car on, and then we were off to our destination. However, this simplified version of driving was drastically altered once I started driving myself.

Before I was placed behind the wheel, I always believed that driving was a very easy skill that anyone can learn. To an extent, anyone can learn how to drive. However, it is the manner of how they drive, is where the attention will be directed to. Meaning, that challenges only begin to arise, in regards to driving, when the person is not driving safely. I realized that the reason why my parents drove so well was because they knew all of the regulations they had to follow as a driver. Therefore, driving can only grow to be difficult when the person is not fully trained or educated in that subject. With that being said, my own lack of knowledge on driving arose challenges I had to overcome in order to not only risk my life, but the lives of others.

In the process of obtaining my license, I was greatly enlightened on the meticulous procedures of driving. Driving was not just a three or four step routine. When operating a vehicle, the person has to know all of the functions on and in the car. Not only that, but they also had to know the different ways to maneuver the car. Having great insight on one’s own vehicle allows a person to feel more comfortable and in control while driving. If a person is at ease behind the wheel, they are able to direct their full attention on the road. Their safety will allow them to provide safety to other drivers.

As I was learning how to drive, I was taught to always fasten my seatbelt no matter the distance of my destination, examine my vehicle to ensure it was properly functioning in all areas, and to always be aware of my surroundings. Not only were the physical routines crucial, but being knowledgeable of the rules on the road and the meanings of the road signs were as well. Due to the thoroughness of the information that was given to me and the habits I learned to implement in my driving, I was able to begin my path of becoming a safe driver.

When a person is well informed in driving, they are able to lower their risks of car accidents. One small mistake on the road can have the potential of becoming both destructive and dangerous. That is why continuously learning the guidelines of driving and willingly choosing to improve are key to avoiding those consequences. In regards to that statement, constantly practicing how to drive would be able to fulfill those requirements. In this day and age, distractions on the road have become even more prominent, especially with technological advancements. Therefore, death rates in car accidents have many opportunities to rise. That is why it is even more vital for drivers to drive safely on the road now.

I have not been a licensed driver for too long, but I have already experienced my own moments of fear when it comes to driving. Thankfully, I have not caused a car accident but I have made mistakes on the road. Those mistakes can range from not looking at my mirrors enough to forgetting to turn on my headlights at night. Nonetheless, I always acknowledged those mistakes and learned from them so they were not repeated. Recognizing my own mistakes also allowed me to easily recognize the mistakes of those I knew. There have been many moments where I witnessed a friend or relative driving recklessly on the road. Whether they were not following the speed limit or dividing their attention on both the road and on their phone. Regardless if they were a friend or relative, I always did my best to communicate with them on improving their driving behavior. One’s life should not be easily overlooked, and multiple lives are always affected in a car accident.

Driving is a privilege that is accompanied with dangers. Just like with many things in the world, it is both good and bad. In order to experience the more positive and advantageous sides of driving, the driver should always be educated and mindful on the road.