Driving cost money

Driving. it’s a big risk the moment the car turns on, rather you are alone or not! You risk injury or death to yourself, passengers in your car, those strangers in other vehicles that have families, or even pedestrians. And say it’s a close call and no one is hurt but there’s damage to the vehicles, you in turn damage yourself financially by having to pay for potential increase in insurance and to fix some damage (depended on insurance) out of pocket, so even more of a reason to be considerate while driving.

I support drivers’ education schools, and when going for mine personally, years ago, they showed us accidents and end results of certain motor vehicle accidents and estimated bills (hospitals, insurance rates, car repairs vs buying new cars, and what could happen to loans/leases, and any court fees if lawsuits were to occur). This is especially important to show people that though driving may not just only be risky for life versus death, but it’s risky in a financial standpoint that could lead to a lot of stress and burden depending on the outcome of the accident. With knowing the financial risk, I feel this will push people to want to drive safer to avoid financial strain. So to reword my point, the goal to get safe drivers is yes educate on a life and what it can do to their family and friends, but also add more hurt like financial concerns and a case that could follow for years to come to open eyes even more. No one ever wants to deal with the court or pay extra for anything. Billboards, posters, and slogans can only go so far, but educating especially newer drivers in a classroom is key, they pay attention more because they want their license.

Some steps to be safe behind the wheel for those out of touch with drivers’ education school or for those that didn’t have the same course I did those years ago. First, out of everything there is, make sure everyone in the car has their seatbelts on before putting the car in drive or reverse, there’s no dizziness or tiredness, and all emails and text on that phone has been sent that’s on the mind and the phone gets put to the side, or GPS is on loud (if you don’t have a nice passenger to read directions to you). Clear the head of any negative thoughts that would promote road rage. Road rage can lead to speeding, losing control of the vehicle, or even losing sight of the surroundings. Always be aware of your car’s maintenance and fluids (such as oil and gas) to avoid breakdowns or sudden stops and that the lights work around the car, especially when driving at night in dark areas! Lights are particularly important at night or those dark gloomy days, others need to be able to spot you to avoid any collisions. Make sure as the driver, you are not under the influence of any drugs, medications, or alcohol that could affect reaction times or judgment.

The phone, put it away! I have driven with a few friends who use their phones on the highways, not just on the back roads. It drives me insane due to them driving into the rumble strip like they are drunk, almost hitting the car next to them or in front of them, or even getting off the wrong exits. If you have someone in the car, have them navigate the GPS or text responses if needed. Urgent matters if there is no Bluetooth in the car, pull over to talk on the phone or type. If you’re lost, again pull over to pull up the GPS and put the phone in a safe place with the volume on max for directions. Distracted driving is scary not to passengers but to people around the car.

Now let’s talk pedestrians, always pay attention to your surroundings and signs, unfortunately (especially in New York) not everyone uses the crosswalks and kids depending on the neighborhood will run out to go chase their toys. Follow those speed limits, pay attention to signs that will point out deaf areas, children at play, school zones, construction, horse riders, etc. Heavy areas, such as major cities (again New York as an example), drive as if that light never turned green, just that there is a yellow and red light, this avoids striking someone.

Be safe out there, thank you for reading!