In the Driver’s Seat

Driving has become a routine in our daily lives, so we do not think of it being particularly dangerous. Driving is likely the most dangerous thing people do on any given day because most people are in their car every day. People can have a fear of driving from either experiencing an accident before or witnessing someone in an accident.

Driving education is important for people to know because it teaches you basic skills and the laws of the road. Knowing the laws of the road helps people become safer drivers. Learning the basic skills helps you drive in inclement weather, learn how to navigate on busy streets, and teaches you what to do in case of an emergency.

There are many steps that could be taken to reduce the number of fatalities in California. For instance, wearing a seat belt can greatly reduce risk of injury and death while driving. People should call 911 and report vehicles they believe to be drunk drivers or driving recklessly. If someone consumes an alcoholic beverage, they should drink responsibly or call an Uber lift to ensure you and others arrive safely at your destination. Drinking and driving kills thousands of people a year. Never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs. Reducing the number of deaths related to driving can also be reduced by paying attention to the road and not being distracted while driving, such as staying off your cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Being a defensive driver by being aware of your surroundings at all times. Speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions. Speeding is also considered a very dangerous form of aggressive driving. Traffic collisions at high speeds increase the chance of death.

Recently my mother and I were in Arizona for a gymnastics competition. We were on our way to get something to eat before I competed. My mother was stopped at a red traffic light. When the light turned green, my mom did not go right away. She had a gut instinct to wait but she did not know why. As she started pulling out there was a vehicle coming the opposite way. The vehicle ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. The person that ran the red light had their whole family in the car. It is crazy to think someone would put their family’s life at risk by running a red light. That vehicle that got hit, and rolled onto its side would have been us if my mom had not waited before going through the intersection. It is important to wait and look both ways making sure everyone is stopped before going through the intersection. So many people run red lights, so it is better to wait and not go immediately when the light turns green. One time I experienced a friend driving irresponsibly was when I was seated in my friend’s passenger seat. We were on our way home from gymnastics practice. We were talking and having a good conversation when she looked at me as we were entering a curved portion of the road. When my friend looked back at the road, she nearly drove off the roadway because she had diverted her eyes off the road to look at me. This was a very scary experience for both of us. That spit second of being distracted could have caused us to drive off the road and crash.

I am going to college this year and I will definitely have everyone who rides in my vehicle wear a seat belt. You never know if and when you may be involved in a traffic collision. I will also drive attentively. I will stay off my cell phone and avoid being distracted. Always looking out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially before turning at a green light or making right turns at a red light. Being a defensive driver benefits myself and others. Aggressive driving takes unnecessary risks and often causes crashes. Watching out for motorcycles can also help be a safer driver as most motorcycle riders tend to drive aggressively and can easily be hidden in traffic.

My dad is a California Highway Patrol Officer, and he always reminds me how important it is to drive safely and always be aware of your surroundings. He tells me that driving is a privilege not a right. I should always remember to avoid distractions, drive defensively, not speed and especially never to drive while under the influence.