The Responsibility of a Driver

I remember turning fifteen and being so excited to begin the process of learning how to drive. My older sister had her license and had recently been able to start driving friends around as her initial six months had passed. Everything about driving seemed fun to me, the music, being with friends, having the freedom to go anywhere, and forgoing the dreaded bus ride. I started taking driver’s education in school, and my excitement quickly turned into shock and anxiety. My instructor took us to a website that showed the total count of people who had passed away in motor/vehicle accidents each year. The number only represented our state, it was too high for comfort.

I always knew there was great responsibility and important safety measures that had to be taken care of while driving. I did not fully comprehend this however, until my driver’s education class. When beginning anything new, rules and procedures are laid out and explained in great detail. While it can feel like a lot to take in, it is necessary to set boundaries and become aware of what is safe and what is not safe. Drivers’ education showed me the importance of going over every law and policy of driving to increase safety and give the driver the knowledge they need. Knowing what to do if a crash happens, if your brakes stop working, if you get stuck on a railroad track, or where to go if you are feeling drowsy while driving can be lifesaving. Knowing how alcohol and substances affect a person can lead more people to steer away from using any of them if they will be driving. Without drivers’ education, many pieces of information, such as the ones mentioned above, could be left out and cause more traffic deaths.

There are a couple of things that can be done to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, and it is up to every single driver to act on these things. If we were to implement new campaigns and interventions, we would need to aim them at reducing drunk driving, cutting down on speeding, encouraging constant seatbelt use, eliminating distracted driving, and learning to be more aware of our surroundings while driving. The exact steps to take can differ and may not always work, but it is worth it to try. Many places have made texting, calling, or getting on your phone for any reason illegal, it is a ticket-able offense. This also applies to using your seatbelt, you can be fined for not wearing it while driving whether you are the driver or a passenger. Things such as drunk driving or driving under the influence can be decreased by increasing public transportation to safely travel, intervening if you see someone about to drive drunk, or using offering to drive for someone if you are sober.

I have not personally been in a car accident, thankfully, but I do have friends who have been in accidents or drive irresponsibly. My dad often tries to text back or answer a call on his phone while driving, my family and I take it upon ourselves to stop this from happening when we are in the car. Texts can wait until you are parked and not driving, if there is an emergency you can pull over to the side of the road and park. I have also had friends who have totaled their cars after driving distracted, they regret doing it even if they only looked down for a second. I do have to admit that I am guilty of trying to text back, switching music, or taking a phone call while driving. I have, however, worked hard to quit this habit and make myself wait. Putting my phone in the back seat, in a bag, or having someone else hold it has been very helpful. If I want others to be safe drivers, I have to be one myself.

I have a younger sister who is about to begin her driving course, I have recently been thinking what advice I can give her for when she begins driving. Being a good example myself by staying off my phone, driving sober, wearing my seatbelt, and obeying traffic laws is one step towards encouraging others, including her, to be safe on the road. Calling out people politely who are being unsafe drivers may help them become more aware, people tend to follow the rules if they know people are watching. The best thing I can personally do is be a safe driver to encourage others to be safe drivers as well. It is an individual responsibility, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a community effort.