In Memoriam

Texting and driving is a serious issue that affects everyone on the road. I learned this the hard way when my best friend, Chelsea, died in a car crash when I was 17. She loved to sing, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was involved in ROTC. The other driver was on their phone and was hospitalized from the crash. This tragic event has made me passionate about preventing others from making the same mistake. As a student majoring in Computer Science/Programming, I want to share some practical tips to avoid this dangerous habit.

Driver education is crucial in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Proper driver education teaches new drivers about the rules of the road, the importance of focus, and the dangers of distractions like texting. When drivers are educated, they are more likely to make safe decisions, which can save lives.

One of the most effective steps to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to set your phone in a hard-to-reach place. This simple step can make a big difference. By putting your phone out of reach, you will not be tempted to check it while driving. The less accessible your phone is, the less likely you are to use it.

Another step is to take advantage of technology. iPhones have a focus mode that detects when your car is connected and stops texts from alerting you. This feature can help you stay focused on the road. You can set it up so that people who text you receive an automatic reply letting them know you are driving and will respond later. This way, you can drive without distractions and still communicate with others when it is safe.

It is also important to remind yourself that you will get to answer the texts later. No message is so important that it cannot wait until you are safely parked. If you feel the urge to check your phone, remind yourself of the potential consequences. A text can always wait, but the safety of yourself and others cannot.

As a computer science student, I understand how technology can both help and hinder us. I believe that using technology wisely can prevent accidents caused by texting and driving. By setting up focus modes and putting our phones out of reach, we can create safer driving environments.

In addition to these tips, it is important to spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. Talk to your friends and family about it. Share your experiences and encourage others to adopt safe driving habits. The more people are aware of the risks, the more likely they are to change their behavior. While Chelsea was a very safe driver, she was not the only person on the road. Spreading awareness is the best way to keep people safe.

Another step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to implement stricter laws and penalties for texting and driving. Many states have already taken steps in this direction, but there is still more work to be done. Stricter laws can serve as a deterrent and encourage drivers to put their phones away while driving.

Driver education programs should also include real-life stories and experiences to drive home the importance of safe driving. Hearing about the tragic consequences of distracted driving can have a powerful impact on new drivers and motivate them to adopt safer habits.

As for my own experiences, I have seen friends and family members driving irresponsibly. It is a scary and frustrating situation. I have had to remind them to put their phones away and focus on the road. It is not easy, but it is necessary. We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe.

To be a better and safer driver, I plan to continue practicing the tips I have shared. I will keep my phone out of reach, use focus modes, and remind myself that texts can wait. I will also continue to spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. By sharing my story and encouraging others to adopt safe driving habits, I hope to make a difference.

In conclusion, drivers ed is essential in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. By setting our phones in hard-to-reach places, using focus modes, and reminding ourselves that texts can wait, we can make a difference. My best friend’s death was a wake-up call for me, and I hope to help others avoid similar tragedies. Let us all commit to being safer drivers and protecting those around us.