Importance of Safe Driving

In this world today, driving is one of the most used transportation we have. Majority of people have to use vehicles to get to the store, work, home or other actives. Every time you get behind the wheel you risk your life and everyone else’s. In America, an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. The importance of driver education, and non-distracted driving can help reduce the number of deaths. I will also discuss personal experience behind the wheel and other people incidents have also helped shaped my view on safe driving.

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. As roads become increasingly crowded, vehicles become more powerful, and unexpected hazards, its essential for drivers to possess knowledge and the skills need to drive safely. By emphasizing safe driving practices, driver education programs contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment on roads. One of the primary reasons why driver education is significant is because it equips the students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to drive safely. When I was fourteen I was so excited to get my licenses, little did I know I would receive a big responsibility of the lives of people, in my car or on the road. In the state of Kansas, the minimum driving age is fourteen, which is when I took the Kansas State drivers test. The test consists of twenty-five questions, to pass you must exceed over an eighty percent on the test, then attend drivers Ed. The Drivers Ed I attended was one full day of classroom instructions on traffic rules, regulations, and road signs. Additionally, they required two days of driving lessons that allow individuals to familiarize themselves with various driving situations and learn proper techniques for steering, accelerating, and braking in different conditions. A well-informed driver is better prepared to make sound decisions while on the road. Driver education also educates individuals about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, the significance of adhering to speed limits, and the necessity of using their seat belts and other safety devices properly. Moreover, driver education programs introduce young and inexperienced drivers to the unique challenges they may face while driving. Novice drivers lack the experience necessary to handle unexpected situations effectively. For instance, driving in adverse weather conditions, dealing with aggressive drivers, or encountering various road hazards can be overwhelming for someone who has never faced such challenges before. By exposing drivers to potential risks and providing strategies to handle difficult situations, driver education helps develop their confidence and competence on the road, thereby reducing accidents caused by inexperience.

In today’s world, distractions are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among drivers. Whether it’s the urge to check social media, respond to a text message, or even eat while driving, these distractions pose a serious risk to both the driver and other road people on the road. Therefore, it is essential that we promote non-distracting driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads. One effective way to promote non-distracting driving is through education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should target drivers of all ages and emphasize the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. They can be conducted in schools, workplaces, and on the internet, such as social media platforms. By educating drivers about the potential risks with distractions and providing them with strategies to avoid them, we can encourage safer driving habits. Governments should also in force strict laws and penalties to discourage distracted driving. Examples of such measures include fines, license suspensions, and even mandatory educational programs for offenders. By enforcing these laws consistently, governments can send a clear message that distracted driving will not be tolerated, ultimately promoting a culture of safer and more focused driving. Technology also plays a crucial role in promoting non-distracting driving. Though it caused the issue, it can also be a tool to help the issue. Smartphone applications can be developed to limit phone usage while driving. These apps can disable certain features, such as texting and social media notifications, or even lock the phone altogether when it detects that the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, car manufacturers can integrate hands-free systems into vehicles, allowing drivers to make phone calls or send messages without taking their hands off the wheel. Advancements in technology offer promising solutions to minimize distractions and create a safer driving environment. In addition to education, government, and technological advancements, peer influence should not be undermined when promoting non-distracting driving. Drivers must hold each other accountable for their actions on the road. Social pressure from friends, and family can influence behavior positively, which can make individuals to stay focused behind the wheel. But can also have a reverse effect, if family, and friends exhibit unsafe habits like distracted driving, then most likely they will distractive drive.

I am currently a high school senior and as I grow older I am starting to realize how reckless and how many bad drivers we have in my school. Right now, I can say in my four-year high school career, I have been hit twice. I wasn’t in the car both times and no injuries took place. The first hit took place in the school parking lot, the driver was goofing off with his friends and backed out hitting my car at a high speed. My car was moved two spots away from were it was original from. During this time, I was at soccer practice. I remember walking to my car and thinking, “Oh no I parked like that?!?!” Then he came up to me and told me what happen and showed me the damages. My car had about three thousand dollars in damages and it took a whole month until I got my car fixed. It was still drivable in that month, but had a big dent in the back of it. The second time I was hit was by this girl backing out of her spot after school. She wasn’t look and her front end hit my car, scrapping the side. Thankfully, the damages were just little scratches on my fender and wasn’t worth it getting it fixed. I did however inform her that she did hit my car and she should be more careful. As if I did report it to the police or insurance she would have been in big trouble, because she was driving illegally, as she was only fourteen. But one accident that has stuck with me, was a story that my dad told me from back when he was in high school. His friend, mike was driving around with his friend, Eric. They were good friend and were racing around town when they got into a very bad car accident. They hit a street light in front of the school, going at a fast speed. They both weren’t wearing their seat belts, and sadly Eric died on impact. Mike was fine, but had a few injuries. The street light was replaced and I pass it everyday on my way to school. Sometimes I am reminded of what happen there when passing it, and use it as a reminder to drive safe. This story my dad told me really hit home, as I am good friends with Mike and he has watched me grow up. So, it really made me enforce safe driving around my friends and family.

In conclusion, in todays fast paced world it is important to be an educated driver, as it’s a crucial role on the roads. For everyone it should also be a top priority to encourage non-distracted driving as it could lead to injuries or death to you or anyone else on the road. And with being a educated driver, and encouraging non distracted driving, it can help reduce the number of deaths we have on the road. Ultimately, now and in the future, I would like to be a safe driver and encourage others to do so as well. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous honor and would be a transformative opportunity for me to move forward.