Road Safety: The importance of having rules for the road

Driving is a privilege and an essential part of our daily lives, whether for business, school, entertainment, social obligations, activism, or community involvement. However, to ensure safety, one must learn how to drive safely, which includes learning the psychology of driving. Driving at high speeds is dangerous and irresponsible and can thwart one’s ability to control their vehicle safely. Also, excess speed increases the likelihood of serious or fatal crashes. Other factors that may impair one’s driving safety include not wearing safety seatbelts, unsecured safety seats, distracted driving; such as texting, drinking, eating, grooming, reading maps, watching video, adjusting radio dials, talking on the phone, listening to music, dancing, talking to passengers, and or using navigation devices while driving.

I recently completed my driver’s education online. It was stressful but very informative and educational. Statistics show that poor driving education can lead to unpreparedness, poor driving experience, increased traffic accidents, and even vehicular homicide. As a new driver, I am anxious to get on with the next phase of practical driving, Yet I know I must be determined, prepared, patient, and practice active listening to the driving instructor to become a responsible driver.

Although driving is an essential part of our daily lives, it must be done correctly. As a young person, it may seem exciting to learn to drive, but it is imperative to obtain the foundation of safe driving. First, one must find a qualified instructor and be willing to comply with the rules and traffic laws. A qualified instructor would be able to teach one the importance of the traffic laws in the state they live as well as other basic traffic rules that may apply, such as highway and interstate driving, railroad crossing, deer crossing, school crossing, and rural driving. Also, these driving instructions would provide comprehensive learning of traffic rules such as, lane changing, traffic signals, pedestrian safety, vehicle control, hazard awareness, emergency and law enforcement vehicles when in operation and the specific rules that apply, blue light law in certain states, parking, moving violations, certain driving conditions; such as driving in the snow, wet or slippery roads, hydroplaning,

One must also learn the psychology of driving, such as to keep focus not only on your driving but those around you. This will not only help you to become a conscientious driver, but will practice making good decisions, by not cutting through traffic, showing courtesy, being patient, and avoiding road rage which can lead to dangerous outcomes or even death to others or oneself. Learning to be aware of the consequences for noncompliance with traffic laws can be substantial and life changing. For example, driving while under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medication that may cause drowsiness can have legal implications, including losing one’s driving privilege, a prison sentence for vehicular homicide, and revocation of one’s license.

Studies have also shown that driving at a speed considerably below the posted speed limit is more likely to cause or be involved in accidents than drivers driving at normal speed. The law requires you to drive on the right side of the road, but driving on the left side of the road is allowed in certain circumstances, such as driving on a one-way street and while passing. When one is driving slower than the posted speed limit on a highway, the law allows drivers to drive in the extreme right lane unless they are passing, turning left or to avoid an obstruction.

The law requires drivers to be aware of intersections with or without traffic signals, and to give blind pedestrians special consideration at an intersection, such as extending a white cane or a guard dog to cross safely. Other considerations with traffic rules are funeral processions. Driver, must be aware of funeral processions. If you are going in the same direction as a funeral procession, a driver is not allowed to pass or attempt to pass the procession. The only exception is if you are on a highway with two or more lanes going in the same direction as the procession. Drivers are advised to slow down before entering a curve so that they will not need to brake and or overcorrect, but to be able to maintain traction. When making a right turn, one must stay close to the right edge of the road to prevent another vehicle from moving between their vehicle and the curb. Drivers are recommended to check for small objects or children before backing up.

My mom and grandmother are great and responsible citizens who practice safe traffic rules and obey traffic laws, and I am excited to apply for this scholarship.