On the Road, Lessons Can Teach Themselves

In comparison to my
friends, I was initially behind the curve when it came to obtaining
my driver’s license; this was due to my anxiety related to making
mistakes with the potential for financial and lethal consequences.
After finally making the decision to get behind the wheel and earn my
permit, however, my fear began to gradually diminish. Driving around
the block turned into trips to the dollar store, and this eventually
gave way to hitting the highways, and driving home to Houston. After
going through my parent-taught online course, I have learned how to
conduct myself safely on the road. Despite my parents’ complaints
about the drawn-out and bureaucratic nature of modern drivers ed, I
still believe that the more rigorous nature of the process is
instrumental to both saving lives, and helping teens become safe and
responsible drivers.

During the dozens
of hours of on-road tutelage from my mother, I have learned the ins
and outs of lane changes, reading road signs, and which drivers have
the right of way in particular situations, among other skills. I
believe this experience and knowledge have reduced the likelihood of
a car accident in the foreseeable future. While I still have a long
way to go, and am still nervous at the thought of driving during the
night, I am more confident in my abilities to learn how to do so in a
safe manner.

This aside, I have
also observed excellent examples of reckless driving habits from both
friends and family. One day, I had stayed after school for band
practice, and my uncle was on the way to take me home. Upon his
arrival, it did not take me long to be put on edge, as there was a
bottle of beer in one of the cupholders. I had no intention of saying
anything, as I did not wish to rile my uncle, but he noticed my gaze
falling on the drink, and acknowledged his mistake with pride. In a
flimsy attempt to justify the behavior, he made the claim that “it
made [him] more careful.” Thankfully, we made it home in one
piece.

In another
incident, I was with an old friend of mine who lived down the street.
In our previous interactions, he seemed very conscious about the
safety implications of his actions, and having never seen him behind
the wheel until then, I assumed this would be no different. I became
frightened, however, when he saw fit to drive at sixty miles per hour
at night in a rural area, where deer could be lurking in the shadows.
He maintained this speed, even when rounding corners.

After having these
experiences, and witnessing the aftermath of fatal vehicular
accidents myself, I truly understand and appreciate the importance of
proper drivers ed. As drivers, we all have a responsibility
to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone; to this end, we
must remember the rules of the road, and always exercise extreme
caution.