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2023 Driver Education Round 3 – The Dangers of Distracted Driving and The Unfortunate Realities

Name: Sarah Heskett
From: Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Votes: 0

The Dangers of Distracted Driving and The Unfortunate Realities

One of the most important ways to lower the frequency of fatal driving accidents is through driver education. It acts as a cornerstone for transferring fundamental information, abilities, and attitudes that support safer driving practices. There are various important factors that help to understand the significance of driving education. The first being knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. Those who have received drivers’ education have gained a thorough awareness of traffic laws and regulations. This information is essential for encouraging safe and responsible driving practices and lowering the risk of accidents brought on by carelessness or ignorance. Another being skill development; people learn to abilities required to drive a car safely through driver education. This entails being well versed in driving skills like defensive driving, precise braking, and steering. When I went through drivers education I felt like there wasn’t much emphasis on how to properly brake in an emergency, or how to know when to defensively drive. I learned through experience over time driving, but it should be something discussed more within driving schools. Accident risk is reduced by drivers who have received proper training since they are more prepared to manage difficult conditions when driving. Next is the awareness of risks and repercussions; these are associated with dangerous or intoxicated driving as they are frequently highlighted in driver education programs. People are more likely to drive responsibly when they are aware of the risks involved in driving behaviors including speeding, texting and driving, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Another is the importance of preventing impaired driving, adding on to the last example. Educational initiatives emphasize the risks associated with operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driver education is essential in preventing drug-related accidents since it discourages driving while intoxicated and encourages cautious alcohol intake. Lastly, the overview of advanced safety systems. As technology develops, driver education needs to develop with it. They play a critical role in educating people about how to utilize advanced safety systems in cars. Road safety is improved by being aware of and making use of technologies like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and collision avoidance systems. My mother has been in two different car accidents, all involving the other person being distracted. About two years ago she was sitting at a red light when a car came smashing into the back of her at 50 mph. Thank God she was okay, minor bruising and a mild concussion from her head being whipped forward and hitting the steering wheel. There was also a girl, Amanda, who attended Central Michigan University with me. She was a year younger, but I knew her from going to the same high school. On her way back home, she got into a bad car accident where she was rear-ended, that resulted in her going over the median of the freeway and colliding with another car. This unfortunately resulted in her passing after being on life support for a few days, my good friend and roommate knew her personally and was extremely distraught over the situation. It was a truly eye-opening moment in regard to distracted driving and the unfortunate harm you can cause to someone by doing so. I have also been witnessed to my friends, as well as family members, texting while driving. Or speaking on the phone while driving; neither a good thing to be doing as the slightest distraction can slow a person’s reaction time tremendously. I always make the comment of not doing it while I’m in the car, as I am concerned about my own as well as everyone else’s safety. I also argue with them to not do it in general, no matter how “good” they think they are at multitasking while driving. There are many ways for us to become between and safer drivers, these involve personal commitment, ongoing learning, and fostering a positive driving culture. Reducing distractions is important when driving. Refrain from engaging in any activities that could take your attention away from driving, and refrain from using mobile devices on the road. Another important way to be safe is to make sure your car is regularly checked on. Make sure that the lights, tires, brakes, and other necessary parts are in good operating order A properly maintained car is less likely to have mechanical issues that could cause a collision. Also, adjusting according to the weather. You should modify your driving to account for varying weather conditions. In precipitation or snow, slow your speed, keep a safe following distance, and use the proper lighting when visibility is poor. Something that I tend to overemphasize to everyone I know is to wear your seatbelt. My friends, family, people I see just driving, always tend to never have their seat belt on. They are crucial for personal safety and will significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. I don’t begin driving until everyone in my car is buckled up, one to prevent me from being pulled over for not wearing one, but also because I want everyone in my car to be safe and secure as I am the one in control of their life for that span of time. By following these guidelines, you may improve road safety for everyone on the road in addition to improving your personal driving safety. I will always be an advocate for safe driving and continue to inform others of doing so as well and holding them accountable for distracted driving. Reducing accidents and enhancing general road safety require encouraging responsible driving practices as well as cultivating a respectful and considerate driving world.