Safe Drivers Save Lives

Although driver’s education usually starts at the age of 14 or 15, I believe that driver’s education can start years before then. Uneducated drivers cause car crashes and increase the number of traffic deaths. Educated drivers know what different colored traffic lights mean, and when the best time to switch lanes is. Educated drivers use turn signals and they practice good following distances between cars. Without being properly educated on the rules of driving, the number of deaths as a result of driving will keep increasing.

To reduce the number of deaths, drivers can use navigation systems in their cars instead of their phones, they can turn on Do Not Disturb, keep music and other audio at low levels, and they can make sure they are alert and well-rested when driving. Although Google Maps or other navigation apps are very useful on phones, constantly looking down to check the map leads drivers to take their eyes off the road. Even one split second can cause an accident. Using the navigation system that is installed in the car is a much better option because it is closer to the stearing wheel and also is not illegal to use while driving. Another option for navigation is to get a phone holder that mounts on the dashboard, close to the steering wheel. Drivers can also turn on the audio navigational apps to listen to the directions, rather than looking at the phone.

Another important way to keep drivers focused on the road is to turn on Do Not Disturb their phones. Phones are constantly going off with text notifications and notifications from other apps. Focus on the road is the most important thing for drivers, so turning off the phone will help limit distractions and keep focus on the driving conditions and the surrounding drivers.

Along with phones, other distractions in the car can be the other people in the car. Having too many people in the car while driving can be a major distraction. It makes it much harder to concentrate on the road when a driver is trying to carry on a conversation or sing a song. Making sure that the passengers are aware and educated of the dangers of distracted driving, can help reduce the risk of crashing. Keeping the volume down on music and keeping conversations calm and at a low level can help with concentration.

I have two brothers who are very interested in cars, racing, and making cars loud and fast. They love to play car racing video games and they love to remodel their cars talk about cars or do anything relating to cars. I feel like generally, most boys like to drive fast, but my older brother, Jackson, has taken it to the extreme. When it was time for Jackson to start driving, my dad handed his Dodge Charger over to Jackson. Because he already had an interest in cars, he was even more excited about receiving a sports car for his first car. He began his driving career very safely, in fear of crashing his beloved car. But, as drivers do, they become more comfortable with driving faster and trying new things. He began to speed excessively and he even learned how to do “donuts”. Because he enjoyed speeding, he ended up with 3 speeding tickets by the time he was 19. Not only did this get him in trouble with the police and our parents, but he also put himself and the people around him in danger. The thought of losing my brother because he decided to speed, is something that scares me deeply. It is probably one of my worst fears. Now that my younger brother is just starting to drive, I have taken it upon myself to help keep him alert and focused while driving and also make sure that he knows how important it is to stay off of his phone and pay attention to the road.

In a recent situation, a classmate was killed in an auto accident. On the way to Texas, his mother fell asleep while at the wheel. This mistake not only caused her son to lose his life, but it also majorly injured her husband. I saw how this affected his family. The guilt that my classmate’s mother felt, is something that will never be forgotten in her mind. Although this is a tragic event, many things can be learned. Driving tired is very dangerous. Driving too late at night, or too early in the morning is also very dangerous. If drivers are not rested, they should not be driving. If drivers become fatigued while driving, they should pull over and rest, or switch drivers if possible. I have learned that it is more important to be safe than sorry especially when driving or putting my life and others’ lives at risk.

I believe that there is never a situation where my life, or anyone’s life is less important than being on time for an event. I tend get stressed out when I feel like I am going to be late, but that is why learning punctuality is so important. Punctuality is a time that everyone needs not only when driving but also as a basic life skill. Taking the time to figure out how long it will take to get from one place to another eliminates the need to drive over the speed limit. If drivers take time before starting to drive, to know how long it will take to get where they are going, they can leave at the appropriate time, giving them leeway for traffic and unexpected road or weather conditions.

To be a safer driver, I will continue to turn on Do Not Disturb on my phone when I drive. I will also make sure to plan out my drive before getting on the road and listen to navigation rather than checking my navigational app when I don’t know where I am going. I will do these things to not only protect my life, but also protect the other drivers on the road.