Name: Maya Lyn Jowers
From: West Valley City, Utah
Votes: 0
Jowers
Turn
Reckless Driving into Wreck-less Driving
Let us work together to reduce fatalities, improve our driving and be
safe everywhere we go. We may not be able to control how others drive
and react, but we can definitely control how we act and respond by
being alert and focused on the road. Reckless driving, distracted
driving, impaired driving and other irresponsible driving may cause
wrecks on the road that could be fatal.
Distracted
driving is anything that takes our focus away from the road. Cell
phones, even when hooked up to hands-free devices, are a major
distraction for drivers. Texting, phone calls and other apps often
tempt us to take our eyes off of the road. For what seems like a
short amount of time, we could travel the length of a football field.
A lot can happen in that time period, is it really worth the risk?
Friends in the car increase the probability of wrecking 50% higher
than if you are driving yourself. How would you forgive yourself if
your friends died in your car?
Reckless driving
is very dangerous. It may be “just for fun” or justified into
being okay. But reckless driving is never okay. If you get pulled
over, you should be lucky you were stopped before it ended in a fatal
accident. Never doing it in the first place is a much safer option.
Speeding, racing, doing donuts in the parking lot and anything else
that could be a potential hazard to other drivers, is reckless.
Impaired driving
is taking any medication, drug, alcohol or any substance that
distorts your view on the road. If you go to a party and drink, do
not drive because that last drink could cost you your life. Taking
prescription meds with warnings not to drive, is for your safety.
Rules are not in place to hold you back; they are there to give you
more opportunities. Dreams cannot come true and life cannot unfold if
you are dead. Not only are you risking your life but you are
endangering everyone else’s life too.
Road rage is
illegal. Did someone accidentally cut you off? Did someone make you
mad? Did someone honk at you? Running them off the side of the road,
swearing at them, threatening them, tailgating them, cutting them off
in return, or responding in anger is very hazardous. By continuing to
fight them on the road, you risk getting your car wrecked, you risk
getting ticketed, you risk a lot of things that are not worth it in
the long run. Take a deep breath and let it pass.
In order to have Wreck-less driving on the road, take time to plan
your route, give yourself plenty of time, be cognitive of others and
how they are driving and get rid of distractions. Think about the
consequences that could result from a bad choice. By changing your
driving habits for the better, you can help reduce fatalities and
collisions. By focusing on the road, you can set an example for the
passengers on safe driving and by choosing wreck-less over reckless,
it will save you money, help you have a better conscious and enjoy
your life more fully.