Don’t Be a Road Warrior!

At some point in our lives, we were all forced to watch bootleg driver education videos that included the most outlandish car accidents to emphasize what not to do while driving. Though the acting was not Oscar-worthy, it made driving safely more important and aided in preventing car accidents. Looking back to when I was first presented with these videos in middle school, and later up to my high school years, I realized how relevant and valuable those videos are, even for drivers today. Anyone who has experienced being in a car with someone who has no care in the world can name a person they know who needs a few more lectures on driving. These individuals, whom I ironically call “road warriors,” are a danger on the road. I myself have fallen victim to one of my friends who drives as if she were an unprofessional race car driver. Fortunately, she has not been in an accident, and neither have I while in her car, but she could handle her driving much better in the presence of others. She has a habit of speeding and switching lanes just to race other cars, which is very common with Georgia drivers. I noticed she does this when the music playing in her car is upbeat or at a fast tempo.

In retrospect, I am here to convince you why, as heroic as the name sounds, it is not okay to be a “road warrior” and to highlight the importance of participating in driver education and driving safely.

Road warriors are notoriously associated with aggressive and reckless driving behaviors, individuals who think “Fast and Furious” driving is a normal way of life. Reality check: it is not. These civilians engage in risky maneuvers that disrupt the flow of traffic. There is an increased risk of accidents when drivers change lanes frequently, tailgate, and stop abruptly. When road warriors disregard the rules of the road and prioritize their speed, they make other drivers’ lives miserable. By ensuring that drivers receive effective driver’s education, the number of “road warriors” on the road can be minimized. Drivers must have a deep understanding of the laws in their state, as they vary in certain locations. Driver’s education instills responsible attitudes towards driving and emphasizes the importance of patience and respect for others on the road. Developing these skills alone will ensure a reduction in the number of deaths caused by driving. It is also critical for beginner drivers to know that the four leading causes of car accidents are mobile devices, drugs, speeding, and alcohol. Driver’s education addresses critical issues such as distracted driving and impaired driving. Moreover, the reason why insurance is usually raised for a parent if their child is a new driver is that they are more prone to causing an accident.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are, firstly, for every driver to take driver’s education seriously and pass the road test. Whether we choose to be oblivious about it or not, there are drivers on the road who failed their road test and are driving without a license, and there are individuals who did the bare minimum to pass their permit test and continue to drive recklessly. Secondly, avoid getting distracted while behind the wheel. Many of us like to eat or sing along to our favorite songs, or even engage in heated conversations with passengers while driving. Any accidents caused by these actions can be avoided if we focus on the task at hand: driving. There is a time and place for everything, and what’s important is to arrive at your destination safely, without injuries. The third step would be to simply find alternative transportation. If the destination is not far, we can always walk, cycle, or use public transportation, which will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease the number of accidents.

Furthermore, to ensure that I can be a better and safer driver, I should avoid eating behind the wheel. As I mentioned earlier, there is a time and place for everything, and I can always wait until I reach my destination before eating. Another way to improve my driving is to adhere to the speed limit. Sometimes, when I’m in a rush, I tend to accelerate more than necessary. I am fully aware that speeding is dangerous and does not contribute to smoother traffic flow. Speed limit signs exist for a reason and should not be disregarded. I can take the additional step of maintaining a proper distance between my car and others, while remaining consciously aware of my surroundings. Accidents can occur at any moment, so it is crucial to look in both directions before changing lanes or making sudden turns. Avoid being a road warrior at all costs.