Buckle Up

Buckle
Up

Passing
my driver’s test and obtaining my licence were two of the proudest
moments of my high school career, as I am sure they were for many
young adults. Receiving my card in the mail and hopping in the car,
with my sister in the passenger seat, was a huge accomplishment for
me. However, some people seem to forget that it is not only a
privilege, but a responsibility as well.

My
drivers ed training and my hours on the road with my instructor
were what helped me the most when I was learning to drive. I learned
about many different traffic laws, of which most of them I will never
need to actually use. However, knowing what I would need to do in a
certain situation, no matter the likelihood of it happening, makes me
feel more confident and sure of myself as I travel through the city.
I hope that by teaching my younger siblings what I learned, they will
feel ready and confident when they too begin to drive.

Having
been on our school bus when a collision with a pedestrian resulted in
a fatal accident, I understand how it can impact the lives of
everyone involved. The panic that I felt when trying to reassure the
younger kids that everything was okay is not a feeling I am going to
forget anytime soon. My brothers had nightmares for weeks, and I was
scared to get back onto the bus, much less drive my own car. Although
this was an unfortunate accident, I am reminded that while driving is
a wonderful and freeing experience, it requires patience and
awareness to keep everyone safe.

I
believe that having to take a second road test later on in our lives
would insure that only those capable of driving safely are allowed
behind the wheel. Many seniors, who do not have the same reflexes as
they used to, often drive under the speed limit, which then causes
immense road rage in other drivers. This aggressive behaviour usually
leads to distracted driving as the person in question focuses all of
their attention on the other motorist instead of on how they
themselves are driving. This all goes to show that being a defensive
driver is incredibly important, because being aware of your
surroundings is what will help keep you safe.

In
the end, being a safe driver is vital to keeping yourself and those
around you safe. Paying attention in your drivers ed training,
staying out of dangerous situations, and being aware and careful of
those around you are aspects that could help minimize accidents and
fatalities. It is essential to buckle up and enjoy the ride, because,
if you are cautious, driving does not always end in disaster.