Driver Education Initiative – What’s the First Rule of Driving?

What’s
the First Rule of Driving?

“What’s
the first rule of driving?” “Awareness!” That is how most
beginnings to any trip go in my family. This was a constant reminder
driven into our minds by my mother, even before we set foot in the
driver’s seat. To always be aware of our surroundings is a critical
aspect behind the wheel, more critical than the break or the gas. If
drivers had this number one rule as their number one priority, the
amount of tragic automobile accidents would decrease dramatically.

When
you first get your license, it’s a huge deal. Hanging out with
friends, having the independence to go where you need to go, and
there is something special about getting an ID with your name and
picture on it. However, whether or not you passed the test with
flying colors or with a C-, either way, you are now responsible for
everything that happens in your car for the rest of your life. My
mother also taught that the lives of everyone in your car is in your
hands. It is kind of terrifying, but that is the complete reality of
it. The sick jams you want to play can wait, the breakfast you ran
out the door with can wait, the makeup you want to fix can wait, it
can all wait. Your actions have consequences, so maintaining a high
level of awareness for the road, other cars, and pedestrians, will
preserve the lives and safety of the public.

I
have not had the traumatic experience of being in a car accident, but
I know someone who has, and they are no longer with us because of it.
He was driving on the freeway late at night, a drunk driver slammed
into his car, and killed him.

Any
accident, whether it be a ten car pile up, or a parking lot fender
bender, can usually be avoided by proper agreeance to the laws, and
undistracted awareness to your surroundings. I have witnessed a
driver watching a tv show on his tablet, being held onto his steering
wheel, while simultaneously being on his phone. Two pieces of
potentially catastrophic scenarios waiting to happen within 14 inches
of each other. I was in shock, I could not even grasp that concept. I
can hardly do that while being at home, much rather driving. So with
this terrifying image in mind, consider what vital role driving
education and awareness play in maintaining the safety of yourself
and other civilians?

Unfortunately,
there is no foolproof way to prevent car accidents resulting in
deaths of civilians, or else this wouldn’t be such a common issue.
Some factors are out of our control. It isn’t always our fault, and
tragedies happen. Yet despite these horrible events, we can have
purer peace of mind knowing that we have our full attention to the
road, not to the distractions.