Creating A Safer Environment for Drivers

As young, eager teenagers, we are often excited at the idea of getting our driver’s license and having the ‘freedom’ that comes with being able to drive. Many of us, including me, join a driver’s education class as soon as possible, which is as low as 14 1/2, and means many kids are driving by 15. However, like many classes in high school, it is easy to forget a lot of the details that you may remember fresh after taking the course. On top of that, it is very easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, and not realize the serious nature of a car accident. It is all our responsibility to stay educated, and vigilant on the roads, and keep them a safe environment for all of us. 

There are many steps we can take to improve our roads and create a safe driving environment. The first is simply being educated about the rules of the road. This sounds obvious, but it is probably the most important, so it’s worth being repeated. Rules of the road are always being updated and changed, so as drivers it is important to stay updated on the current rules of the road. Also, rules surrounding driving could be different depending on where you are, so it is always smart to be aware of your location. Knowing the rules and laws will prevent miscommunications between drivers, create safe areas to drive, and overall help reduce the number of accidents, and deaths resulting from those accidents. 

Another very important step that we all must take to reduce accidents is driving sober. Drunk driving is a huge source of accidents in the United States, and it is one of the most easily preventable kinds of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, 11,654 people were killed in car accidents involving someone driving under the influence of alcohol. That equates to around 32 people per day and about 1 person every 45 minutes, and roughly a third of all driving related accidents. Driving sober would reduce the number of accidents every year a significant amount and it is super easy to do. We can all help, by planning a ride if we know we’re going to be drinking, offering a ride for friends or family that you know will be drinking, and with modern technology we have access to services like uber which makes it super easy to find a ride home, or wherever you may be going, so there is no excuse for driving under the influence.

I personally have been in multiple accidents, three while my parents were driving, and two while I was driving. Luckily for me none of them have ever been serious, but I also know people who have been in serious accidents and even a few who have passed away in car accidents. My first accident was in high school. I was driving a few friends to get some lunch, and I was following the car in front of me too closely. I looked over to talk with my friend in the passenger seat, and when I looked back the car in front of me had stopped, and I did not have time to stop my car completely before rear ending the person in front of me. We weren’t going very fast, only my car was damaged (fixable), and no one was hurt. However, for me it was still a huge wake up call to how quickly a wreck can happen and why it’s important to follow the rules we learn in drivers ed, and always pay your undivided attention to the road while you are driving. 

Before I wrap things up, I want to talk about a few more easy, but important steps we can all implement to stay safe on the road. The first being to stay off your phone. Phones have become a growing issue over the last couple decades, and they will continue to do so as phones become a more prevalent part of the modern world. Any texts or calls you get while driving can wait, they are not more important than your life. It is also smart to have a playlist ready, so you don’t have to mess with your music while you are driving. Another important topic I’d like to touch on is being awake and ready to drive. I have made a lot of long car rides, and it is easy to get tired when you’ve been driving for multiple hours. If you have someone with you, switch driver’s occasionally, to give one another a break. If you’re alone, it is worth it to pullover if necessary and find a gas station or convenience store and grab something to drink or snack on to help keep you vigilant.

Whether you are young and just received your license or have plenty of experience on the road, it is important we all contribute to creating safer roads for us to drive on. The thousands of people that die in accidents every year don’t have to, but to reduce those numbers we all must put forth the effort to make our communities safe. The things mentioned in this essay are just a start, and there is much more that can be done, so do your due diligence, and we can all work towards protecting each other while driving!