In the Eyes of a Driver

Driving is an everyday essential such as driving to work, school, grocery shopping, etc. Although you may just be going down the road to get to your destination something tragic could happen due to irresponsibility. Drivers’ education is very important in numerous ways to reduce death rates. Young drivers do not fully understand the statistics on death rates due to irresponsible driving. Students tend to learn firsthand the reasonability of driving in any experience they may have. Such as reckless, dangerous driving – whether from speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving. Not only is it about irresponsible driving it’s also about understanding the laws and how they partake in keeping the roads safe. In driver’s education, we had to watch videos of survivors and victims who have experienced a crash and personally, that had me nervous about getting my license and driving but it changed my point of view on things I wouldn’t know that would have such a big impact. So, I am very grateful we had to watch those videos and hear other people’s stories.

Driving is a privilege not a right so those who have a license to a motor vehicle need to take it seriously. Some steps that individuals should take to reduce the number of deaths related to motor vehicles: maintaining driving laws and law enforcement, these can reduce a big part of traffic fatalities. Some other ways we can all contribute is by wearing seatbelts no matter how far you drive, another one would be always paying attention to signs such as speed limits, caution signs, etc. Any lawful actions to these can lead to offenses and fines, if they keep occurring, they can face restriction of license or more. Keeping distance is also a small but big factor, anything could happen so keeping your distance is something everyone needs to partake in. One major thing that everyone tends to forget about is the maintenance of your car, and how important it is to keep up on it. Involves checkups such as checking tire pressure, lights, brakes, and windshield wipers. Having a well-taken car that has few to non-mechanical issues could reduce the chance of causing an accident.

Unfortunately, I have personally experienced a crash myself; I was driving, and it was icy out, when I looked at my radio for a few seconds the car in front of me was almost at a complete stop. I tried breaking but kept sliding then I rear-ended him. It only takes a couple of seconds of being distracted to change someone’s life. I was very shaken up even though it was little, ever since then I have been thinking twice about my driving and the need to be aware of not only my driving but other people’s. I have been more cautious about the weather and how it may affect me and my ability to drive. In addition, I also have friends and family who have been in an accident due to their irresponsible driving or because of irresponsible drivers. Ever since then, they have been more cautious as well. In driver education, we should overstress the need to be safe and not have individuals experience a crash themselves to know how scary and tragic it may be. There is one thing my dad has always said to me it doesn’t matter how well you can drive it’s how other people drive around you.

Some steps that I’m able to do to be a safer driver are: avoiding distractions such as turning off my phone by putting it out of sight and being hands-free, knowing the route to take, and expecting some conditions on the route I may experience as well as being prepared for the unaware conditions. I am not the only driver on the road so paying attention to my surroundings as well as my blind spots are a huge factor. Having my speed be safe and considerate due to anything that may happen on the road. Another thing would be taking care of yourself and putting yourself in the “driver mindset”. Make sure you are mentally and physically able to operate a motorized vehicle like making sure you get sleep and not driving when you are exhausted, this can affect your reaction time. Always give yourself enough time to get to places which may result in speeding and not fully paying attention. Not only I should be going with these rules but everyone else on the road. Driving is a privilege, not a right.