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.