The Importance of Safe Driving

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing driver-related deaths by educating inexperienced drivers on the dangers associated with driving unsafely, developing safe driving habits, and understanding traffic laws. By educating drivers with the necessary knowledge and skills, driver education helps reduce the occurrence of accidents and therefore saves lives. To reduce driving-related deaths, individuals can avoid distractions, maintain safe speed, practice defensive driving, and drive with awareness of surroundings such as pedestrian crossing. In today’s world, avoiding distractions is one of the main things that drivers fail to do. Anytime, even while driving, it is so easy to pick up your cell phone and text someone back or even touch buttons on the screens of your car that connects to a phone. About 3,000 people die in accidents involving a distracted driver each year, and distracted driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. Especially for inexperienced drivers, with all young drivers having access to technology, I believe that being educated in distracted driving is one of the most important topics. Ways to prevent these accidents occurring are to silence your phone before driving so that you do not see those notifications pop up, set your navigation and music before starting your drive, and avoid doing things such as eating or drinking while behind the wheel.

Driving responsibly is something that is remarkably close to my heart. Last year, in 2023, one of my closest friends made the decision to drive under the influence. At just 17 years old, and a new driver, not only did he put his life at risk, but he also put others on the road at risk as well. In 2022, 13,524 people died in crashes involving drunk drivers, which is about one person every 39 minutes. He was not doing well with his mental health, and instead of calling for someone to pick him up, he decided to drive home while being careless about the consequences. That is what being under the influence can do to you. He made it 30 minutes into his drive, but about 5 minutes away from being back at home, he hit another car. A family with three young children in the car. Not only did he forever traumatize himself, but he also traumatized those young children and the mom from being on the road. Those children had to go to the hospital not understanding why another car hit them or why the person who hit them was acting so strangely. When my best friend made the decision to drive under the influence, it broke my heart. He is the most selfless and caring person I know, and for him to make that decision was something that no one could have anticipated. The accident not only changed his life but also left me and his loved ones dealing with a whirlwind of emotions-anger, fear, and sadness. I watched as he faced the consequences of that reckless choice, and it served as a reminder to me of the beauty of life. Their journey to recovery became a lesson for me and for others about the dangers of drunk driving, which planted in me a deep commitment to promote safety and responsibility on the road. That experience displayed the importance of making choices that protect not just ourselves, but those we love. Thankfully, he learned his lesson, and since that day he has spoken to many about his experience and spread awareness about driving safely. But, I think that this is an example of not realizing the impacts until it is too late. Drunk driving is sadly common, and many people do it repeatedly until something happens, and it is too late. It is important for drivers, specifically young drivers, to be fully educated on what the dangers are, not only for yourself but for other people when it involves drunk driving. It is important to put it into perspective. You may not care at the moment of the consequences for yourself, but you would care if you damaged the life of one of your loved ones or took a life away from an innocent person on the road.

For myself, something that I could improve on when driving is limiting distracted driving. As many others do, I am unbelievably bad about picking up my phone to change a song or not putting on my directions until I am already on the road. As previously stated, I am putting my life and other lives in danger by distracted driving, and it is something that I will improve on immediately. The ways that I have helped and will help people become safer on the road have all taken place while I was the passenger in a car. Anytime someone picks up their phone when I am a passenger, I remind them that it is unsafe, and I encourage you to do the same. Also, limiting conversations between the driver and the passenger can also limit distracted driving accidents. It only takes one conversation or argument that gets out of hand for an accident to occur.

In conclusion, driving safety is not just about following the laws; it is about valuing lives-our own and those of others. Every time we get behind the wheel, we hold the power to protect ourselves and everyone sharing the road. The choices that we make can prevent tragedies and foster a culture of responsibility and care. By prioritizing safety measures, remaining attentive, and recognizing the impact of our actions, we contribute to a safer driving environment for all. Let’s all commit to driving with awareness and compassion, ensuring that every journey is a safe one, and honoring the trust placed in us to be on the road by our loved ones and other drivers.