Safety is Key

2020
Drivers ed Essay

By:
Emily Elizabeth Yang

Using
the opportunity to take a drivers ed class will definitely
help you become a more knowledgeable driver when you are on the road.
You will learn the proper way to stay safe while on the road, how to
follow road safety rules, and how to read and understand the
different road signs that you probably didn’t know prior to taking
the class. It’s very important to be aware of your surroundings and
to know what each sign means. There are laws, signs, and traffic
lights that you must abide by in order to reduce the number of deaths
and increase safety for other drivers and pedestrians. There are
serious consequences for not following road rules. I know that I
have been a much safer driver since taking my Drivers ed
course.

In
addition, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the
number of deaths while driving. For example, staying off your phone
will make you more alert and aware of your surroundings. Also, to
have a clearer vision, I recommend wearing your glasses or contact
lenses when you are driving. You can see people, traffic lights and
signs a whole lot better. Plus no alcohol or drugs should be consumed
in your body prior to driving because it shortens your reaction time
and causes crashes. Always have a backup plan like Uber, taxi, a
family member to pick you up or a designated driver. Additionally,
do not tailgate behind another vehicle and keep a safe distance. If
you are too close, then you won’t be able to brake in time,
especially while driving in the winter season. Fourth, keep both of
your hands positioned properly on the steering wheel for full
control. This will allow you to steer faster in the case of
emergencies to be safer while passing vehicles. Also, always get a
full night’s rest so you are able to drive the distance to the
destination that you need to travel to. If you are too tired to
drive, then ask another person whom you know can drive you. Lastly,
it’s important to always make a full stop at the lights and stop
signs. Look left, right, and left again at all intersections in case
of speeding drivers through lights. When stopping, always stay
behind the designated lines at traffic lights so you can allow
pedestrians to walk.

Furthermore,
there have been several occasions in which I’ve been in a car
accident. One time, a high schooler at my school had accidentally
crashed into my mom’s car because she was not paying attention to
the road. This resulted in a lot of damages. Being a responsible
driver is a conscious choice that we need to make each and every day.
It is a privilege to drive, not a right. We can all prevent car
accidents if we take all these safety precautions that I
recommended.