Helping Each Other To Drive Safely

Driver education is crucial to reducing the number of driving-related deaths. Most accidents are preventable using defensive driving tactics and doing away with distractions. There are three vital steps we can take to reduce accidents. These include; requiring all new drivers to take a defensive driving course, teaching new drivers how to minimize and handle distractions, and educating them on the importance of responsible driving.

I have been in a few accidents in my life. One accident I had was when I first started driving, I was lost late at night. I began backing up and CRASH! I had backed into a truck. I remember feeling so embarrassed at my mistake and I was worried about what would happen after. I couldn’t see the truck and I hadn’t paid attention to it when I passed it. My backup lights weren’t working properly, as they were very dim. I could have avoided the accident by maintaining my car properly and staying focused on my surroundings, despite my stress of being lost. The worst one was when I turned 18. My significant other had picked me up from a class, and as he went to turn left – a car came speeding into the side of the car. Luckily it hit the end of the car, but I think it could have been prevented if he checked the intersection before taking that turn. The other driver was going 50 mph; the crash could have been deadly.

Although that accident was at no fault of his, there are several that can be prevented. I have witnessed others driving irresponsibly; usually, it involves checking on their phones or being reckless to try and get a laugh. I encourage my peers to be responsible while driving, because I care about them. I have made it a habit to gently remind them to leave their phone while driving, especially in my presence.

There are a variety of dangerous games I’ve seen people doing while driving. One of these games is called chicken, the rules involve driving into oncoming traffic to see which car will stop or swerve out of the way first. Another variation I’ve seen of this game is driving so slow that the car behind will try to pass, but when they pass the game players speed up to prevent the passer from reentering the correct lane. I remember a girl at one of my schools who died because of this game. She was trying to get back into the lane and crashed head-on into a semi-truck. It may seem obvious to experienced drivers that these games are at best stupid, and at worst manslaughter. However, young drivers, especially teenagers are highly susceptible to peer pressure and into playing these games. I believe one method of prevention is to inform and warn teen drivers about these games, and to remind them of the potentially deadly consequences. Another method I personally love is to play safe car games. People can often get bored on a long road trip. One game I love playing with my friends and family is the license plate game. The rules are simple. You call out any out-of-state license plate you see, but each state can only be called once. When you call the plate, you tap the person next to you, and then it’s their turn. My friends and I can get highly competitive during this game, and it’s a great way to engage the driver into paying attention to their surroundings.

Another mistake I’ve witnessed is others choosing to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I do not allow those near me to operate their car if they are inebriated under any substance. I don’t want to see them hurt themselves or others. Also, I remind them of the high penalties driving while intoxicated may carry. I encourage them to call an uber, find a ride, or stay and keep company for longer. As many of my friends are turning 21, I also am never against being a designated driver, to prevent tragedy.

I often contemplate ways to improve my driving. Though I am great at keeping my concentration, and I would never drive under the influence of any substance; I could improve more in certain areas. I believe I need to be more vigilant when driving. I am taking steps to leave the house earlier, so I won’t be tempted to speed for running late to an appointment, my job, or future classes. The biggest thing I can change to improve my driving is to get enough sleep. I learned in my drivers’ ed; that sleep-deprived driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. I have insomnia, so it is difficult to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. However, recently I have been trying to build a good sleep routine and improve my bed hygiene.

Accidents are preventable, and there are too frequent tragedies of young drivers dying or killing others because of a lack of diligence. However, with efforts to spread awareness and educate new drivers: I believe we can reduce traffic deaths significantly.