I recently completed the PDDD class by watching a four-hour video that was
sent to me. When I first started the class, I thought it would just be about
paying the price for my speeding ticket. But as I listened to the different
speakers, I realized it was much more than just a punishment. It was a wake
up call.
Speeding is what got me into this in the first place. I used to think speeding
wasn’t that serious, just a way to save time when I was running late. I never
thought about how even a few extra miles per hour could change everything.
The course explained how speeding reduces the time you have to react and
increases how bad a crash can be. That really stuck with me. I started to
imagine the worst case scenarios, and it made me realize how lucky I’ve been
so far. But the class didn’t stop at just speeding. It opened my eyes to a lot of
risky behaviors I didn’t always take seriously. Distracted driving was a big one.
I used to check my phone at red lights or quickly change songs while driving,
but now I understand how even those small moments of distraction could be
enough to cause an accident. The video also talked about impaired driving
and how even being overly tired can make you a danger to everyone around
you. I hadn’t thought about that before, but it’s true we make worse decisions
when we’re not fully alert. Another big part of the course was learning how to
stay calm and patient. A lot of people, including myself, sometimes get
frustrated in traffic. But reacting with anger like speeding up to pass someone
or tailgating doesn’t solve anything. It just adds more risk. I heard real stories
that showed how road rage can lead to life changing accidents. It made me
realize that being in control of my emotions is just as important as being in
control of the car.Defensive driving was one of the biggest lessons I took away from this
experience. It’s about thinking ahead, staying alert, and protecting not just
myself, but everyone around me. That’s what being a responsible driver
means. It’s not just about avoiding tickets, it's about doing everything I can to
make sure I’m not the reason someone doesn’t make it home.
From now on, I’m committed to making real changes in how I drive. Speeding
is no longer something I see as normal or harmless. I’m going to start leaving
earlier so I don’t feel rushed. I’ll check my speed regularly, keep my phone out
of reach, stay focused on the road and of course always having my seatbelt
on. I also want to be more patient and respectful toward other drivers.
Everyone out there has a life and family just like me.This class wasn’t
something I was looking forward to, but I’m glad I took it. It gave me a new
perspective on driving and reminded me that every time I’m behind the wheel,
I’m responsible for more than just myself. I’m walking away from this
experience more mature, more aware, and determined to never make the
same mistakes again.
By: A.K.