Driver Education-Drive safely

Driving on the road comes with great responsibility, so driver education is extremely important in reducing the number of deaths due to automobiles. Being educated on the road not only increases your and your passengers’ safety but also everyone else on the road. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, “Approximately 1.35 million people die in road crashes each year; on average 3,700 people lose their lives every day on the roads” (Association for Safe International Road Travel). You could take many steps to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First and foremost, always have your seatbelt on when a car is in operation. According to the CDC, “Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). If something as simple as a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death by 45%, why not just wear it. No matter how far your destination is, you never know what can happen while driving so wearing a seatbelt is always a requirement when driving. Another way you could reduce the number of deaths related to driving is by eliminating possible distractions. According to the United States Department of Transportation, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020 (United States Department of Transportation). Distracted driving is any activity that is engaged while driving that takes your full attention away. These activities include cell phones, eating, drinking, talking with passengers, and car stereos. As a driver, one step that you can make to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is reducing your potential distractions. Put your phone out of sight so that you are not tempted to touch it, and utilize the features smartphones have. On Apple phones, you can now put your phone on do not disturb while driving which will hide all notifications so that you are not tempted to check your phone. If your car offers Bluetooth, you can create a playlist and shuffle your favorite songs so that you don’t have to worry about touching your phone or stereo. As a passenger, it is your responsibility to hold the driver accountable. If you feel as if they are distracted while driving, speaking up and expressing your uncomfortable feelings about their driving can not only save you and the passengers but everyone else on the road. Personally, I’ve never experienced an extreme accident, but I have been in minor accidents. When my mother and I were talking she got distracted and hit the car in front of us. Contacts were exchanged but the other driver said everything was fine and that there was no damage, but that same situation could have gone worse. Luckily the car wasn’t going fast since we were at a red light, but imagine the same scenario but we are going 20+ mph. There would have been damage to both cars and possibly injuries. I have definently seen friends drive irresponsibly on the road. It is not cool to drive irresponsible on the road due to the fact that lives could be on the line, so no matter what always be responsible when behind the wheel. To become a better and safer driver I make sure my car is safe to drive before getting on the road. I check and see if all of my mirrors are correct, and I defrost any ice that is on my windshield. If I am conversating with someone on the phone, I make it known that I am getting on the road and that I will contact them back once I make it to my destination. If I play any music I make sure my music is on shuffle so that I do not have to pick my phone up for anything until I am done driving. While on the road, I always keep my eyes on the road and make sure I do not drift off onto anything else. Ways I help others is by stopping conversations while on the phone once it is brought to my attention that they are on the road. If I am in the car, I’ll alert the driver if I personally see anything on the road. Personally, I believe I could improve my knowledge by learning more about certain situations while behind the wheel. I’ve had my drivers license for little over a year now, so I have not been in any situations while behind the wheel. If I were to educate myself on different situations that could possibly happen while I am behind the wheel then if I am ever put into that situation I can have a clear understanding on what to do.

Works Cited

Association for Safe International Road Travel. “Annual Global Road Crash Statistics.” Association for Safe International Road Travel, www.asirt.org/safe-travel/road-safety-facts/#:~:text=Approximately%201.35%20million%20people%20die,resulting%20in%20long%2Dterm%20disabilities. Accessed 31 Mar. 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Policy Impact: Seat Belts, www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html#:~:text=Among%20drivers%20and%20front%2Dseat,of%20serious%20injury%20by%2050%25.&text=Seat%20belts%20prevent%20drivers%20and,a%20vehicle%20during%20a%20crash. Accessed 31 Mar. 2022.

United States Department of Transportation. “Distracted Driving.” NHTSA, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving. Accessed 31 Mar. 2022.