Head and Eyes on the Road

“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead”. This quote from Mac McClearly perfectly states the excitement, rage, nervousness and calamity when driving on busy, quiet and any type of road. Driving is a luxury we are fortunate to have the ability to do. With these types of privileges, comes necessary safety aspects that can never be overlooked. What’s the point of a good drive if you can’t assure yourself of your own safety? Knowing how to drive safely is simple to understand but can be hard to apply on the road.

Driver education plays a pivotal role in orchestrating safer transportation.  It places an emphasis on caution, responsibility, and skillful maneuvering. When embraced, it is a script that transforms the chaotic traffic into a choreographed masterpiece, reducing the discordant notes of accidents and fatalities.

It’s not merely about mastering the mechanics of a vehicle; it’s about cultivating a mindset of responsibility and mindfulness behind the wheel. Each educated driver becomes an additional reassurance in the overall demographic of safe drivers, reducing the grim tally of lives lost. Through driver education, we equip individuals with the knowledge to navigate the roadways not as soloists but as integral parts of a safety ensemble, where the absence of a single wrong or risk can mean preserving a life.

To brush strokes of caution and responsibility, add vibrant hues of awareness and education. First and foremost, a palette of comprehensive driver education programs should be implemented, enlightening motorists on the nuances of defensive driving and safety orchestration. Furthermore, speed is the greatest thrill or kill. In fact they have released a fatalities report stating that 36,000 car accidents take place each year in Ontario. In fact, Toronto Public Transportation Services has stated that Monday and Saturday and the

The neighborhood of wexford/Maryvale has the highest number of vehicle accidents. It’s no surprise that according to several sources, speed is a major factor in lethal driving, specifically 27% of accidents are caused by speeding. In fact, reducing average speed by even 1.6km/h, can reduce collisions by five percent. Imagine the effect of reducing the speed to the recommended limit and how much higher the collision reduction rate would be.

 A common cause of car crashes, to no surprise, is distracted and impaired driving. While, one may assume it only takes place when on a device, there are in fact three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive. Teens are a common group to underestimate the danger of driving under the influence, causing horrid results to that curiosity.

Additionally, while this cause accounts for only 2 percent of overall crashes, it’s worth mentioning that the vehicle may be the perpetrator of the accident. By that, I mean that the car is in a condition that inhibits the vehicle from properly driving in an efficient way. In fact, 35 percent of these car crashes are due to improper tires for the designated seasons.  In fact, my close friend had a close call due to improper tires in snowy conditions which caused her to lose grip on the intersection and almost skid and cause a whole other immense situation. Her reaction timing was immediate aiding in her track back to normal position. This reinforces how important it is to have proper tires and vehicle conditions to drive and additionally to have the proper concentration to recognize serious situations.

Personally, I am fortunate to have never been in a serious situation on the road. When I drive with my parents in the front seat, I am cautious of my surroundings while constantly focusing on the road and keeping my mind clear. I took note from my parents and applied their road safety tactics always to stay vigilant and observant. This was reinforced in me, due to the fact that accidents can happen from any small slip up on the road either by ourselves or another vehicle. The more alert you are on the road, the easier it is to recognize any future or sudden emergencies to react accordingly. My mom expresses to never drive when tired, anxious, since these are major factors in response times. That said, sometimes there may be factors that get in the way of a safe drive, causing a slip-up on the road. She also reinforces the idea to leave 15- 20 minutes earlier relative to the location to allow for extra time on the road and prevent anxious speeding as a cause of being late to the final destination.

I have had the scary experience of my car slipping and turning 180 degrees on slippery snowy Scarborough roads at night. I vividly remember the silence of the minivan with my whole family pulled back due to the offside skid of our car at an intersection. We luckily did not stop oncoming traffic and the vehicles behind waited and stopped the movement to ensure our car would properly turn back on the main road. This event ties into the second point stating that the conditions of the driver or vehicle impact the safety of the driver, and the necessity to focus on the lights and traffic flow in the dark.

Elevating your driving skills and contributing to a safer road environment involves personal responsibility and community awareness. Adopting defensive driving practices adds an extra layer of protection by anticipating potential hazards. Embracing a disciplined approach to speed limits and following road signs contributes to overall safety. Additionally, cultivating a mindset of empathy on the road, allowing for courteous gestures and yielding, and use of indicators fosters a cooperative driving atmosphere.