Red Lights

Flashing red and blue lights pull up behind me, I look in my passenger seat to my 10 year brother stuck in fear. “Mia, what’s happening?” In that moment I realized the mistake I made will forever give me an opportunity to learn and overcome anything that comes my way. I not only put my brother’s life in danger but I also put my own. All the thoughts are going through my head as the tall, brown haired police officer walked up next to my 2011 red honda civic. He hands me a yellow piece of paper and tells me, “You will also have to do traffic classes in order to get this off of your record.” My dad always told me “You only have one life, don’t live with regrets.” I knew I couldn’t sit there pondering and regretting what or how I could have acted differently but instead I was going to take accountability knowing my actions were wrong. I not only put my brother’s life in danger but I also put my own.

With this being said driver education plays a crucial role in driving-related deaths. Knowing the rules of the road and how to be a safe driver is a significant priority that should be made for every driver. Driving education not only teaches skill and traffic signs but the importance of knowing the responsibilities you obtain by getting behind the wheel. Driver education teaches young drivers the reality and the statistics of deaths caused by driving. With this being said students learn first hand the effects of inattentive, reckless, and dangerous driving. Whether that is through texting, speeding, carelessness, or driving under the influence. Drivers education makes students aware of the significance of dangerous driving hoping students never associate in any of those actions.

In order to reduce deaths caused by driving, contributing little by little will get the message of safe driving across. Practicing defensive driving is a set of safe responses to potential hazards. This can include drunk drivers, dangerous roads, inclement weather and many more implications on the road. To go along with that another step to reduce deaths related by driving is wearing your seatbelt. Seat Belts prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle leading to high injuries or death. Traffic laws are designed to ensure the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. Having traffic laws produces a safe way of traveling, and conflicts with any problems that might come across at an intersection. The most common death related to cars is the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a designated driver, uber, taxi or utilizing public transportation before going to your location can help reduce the risk of death. By enforcing our laws and rules, we can help save lives. Everyone has a voice, using it could save a stranger’s life.

Having my own experiences has altered my view and steps to safety procedures. I now encourage myself to frequently check my mirrors, this is essential for preventing collisions and ensuring driving safety overall. Checking for light signals and signs maintains my safety and reduces accidents and injuries. Being in control and seeing all parts of the road to ensure I can see if any cars aren’t being safe. I always try to keep a “space cushion” between me and the car in front of me. Anything can happen in the matter of seconds and by doing this I am able to have time to process my next move if I get put in a needed scenario. I always accept corrections and feedback when driving to guide me in the right direction of safe driving. Focusing on having full awareness and concentration makes me feel comfortable behind the wheel. I encourage my friends and family to realize the privilege it is to be able to drive. Therefore I list the steps I take to ensure safe driving. I am willing to help anyone on the road if it means saving someone’s life. Another way I can help others on the road to become a safer driver is by reporting safety hazards, this leads to others being aware of incidents and could hopefully identify potential accidents. Advocating for strict law enforcement, whether it’s reposting laws on social media or trying to educate the public. Informing my community on the benefits of strict traffic laws can raise awareness and remind a driver the difference it could make in less deaths due to driving. Most communities have events for raising awareness on this topic, just by going I could expand and spread the word of safety issues. When I see something wrong I say something. Being a safe driver should always be your number one priority before starting your car.