As someone who got her license about a year and a half ago,  I spent months learning how a safe driver should act on the road. Like most kids, I had a parent/guardian who covered the fundamentals of driving before I gained practical experience on the road. Throughout those months of learning how to drive, I noticed a clear distinction between the casual lessons I received from my parents and the professional training from my driving instructor. Although they were both different, there was a common theme: safety in driving. They would emphasize the importance of staying focused and remembering the rules. Despite my efforts to adhere to the traffic rules, not everyone acts properly when behind the wheel. For example, some drivers believe that in driving, it is not necessary to give the other vehicle a good distance, even though it is for safety in case of circumstances where the driver suddenly brakes. This brings me to one question: Why do drivers choose not to obey the traffic rules even after taking lessons? Because if we all go from learning the basics to getting behind the wheel, then we should know how to act behind the wheel. However, in current times, it is the complete opposite because of dangerous driving.
       Nowadays, with statistics showing that reckless driving is becoming more prominent among teenagers, I believe that there should be greater emphasis on the consequences of unethical driving. At places like my school, I have seen students crashing into each other because of cognitive distractions and a lack of distance between vehicles. Even though this occurs in a limited area, their poor driving habits can translate into careless behaviors on the interstate. The bottom line is that this results in accidents and in more serious situations where death can be the outcome. To help resolve this, there should be greater efforts in teaching students to give greater distance between cars and pay closer attention to their surroundings, especially when the roads get busy. Understanding the basics of driving, not just on the main road but everywhere, is very important. The driver's education class that my school offers educates students on road driving, signs, signals, and more that students should follow when driving on major roads. However, there is a lack of emphasis on students obeying these rules even at school for their own safety and the safety of others. It would be more beneficial if driver's education classes could expand on how these traffic laws apply to all environments. That way, drivers develop the habit of taking precautions no matter where they find themselves. Restating everything I discussed, if we make defensive driving a safe habit, there will be greater success in response to hazards on all types of roads.
       In the summer of 2024, I experienced what I would like to call a miracle because what was typically supposed to happen did not. It was the morning after Sunday service, and I was driving out of church. Driving out of my church parking lot gets complicated because of a significant number of vehicles trying to get on the state road, which is why most times, a police officer stands at the exit to stop incoming cars and let people out. The day I was leaving, an officer was not present, and that required me to be more vigilant to know when it was safe for me to get on the state road. At that moment, I was not concentrating on the road; instead, my attention was on the phone conversation I was having with a friend. Because of this, I failed to look before getting on the road, and at the same time, a car was approaching. The other driver had to make a quick swerve as we were less than a foot from colliding. Thankfully, the driver was not going at high speed, but if it had been the opposite, I would have suffered from severe injuries. This experience left me feeling shocked, anxious, and guilty for failing to yield to cars that have the right-of-way. It also taught me that there is no such thing as a perfect driver because we all make mistakes at some point in our lives, but what really matters is what we choose to do after making that mistake. My solution was to place my phone in the compartment box in my car until I reached my destination.
       Essentially, it is crucial to be fully attentive not only on the road but also in your surroundings. A famous saying by my dad that I never forget to remind myself is “you cannot control how others drive, the only thing you have control of is how you react.” Some people may be driving, but their minds are preoccupied with other thoughts. This is advice that I would like to share with new drivers on the importance of eliminating all types of distractions. The purpose is to help them comprehend the potential dangers of reckless driving. This is where taking a Driver's Education class comes into play for teachers to be rigorous in placing technological barriers for students. Additionally, this class sheds light on defensive driving, such as staying alert and following rules. Now, every time I start driving, I remember that I have responsibilities while being in control of one wheel.