What Controls Your Driving?

Nearly all Americans are aware that automobile accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. Most if not all of us have either been in an accident ourselves or know of someone who has been. Teenagers have especially high fatality rates in this area. Sadly, thousands of people die every year in accidents that are often completely avoidable. Many of them are the result of drivers simply not paying attention. In far too many instances, we have allowed cell phones, food, alcohol, the distractions of others, or our own be-quick attitudes to take control of our driving. It is time to reverse the narrative and reclaim the proper role of control and awareness that belongs to the one in the driver’s seat.

As with any successful endeavor, driving safely and responsibly starts with a good foundation. Therefore, I believe driving education is pivotal to teaching both new and long-time drivers proper safety habits. Whether getting trained as a new driver, receiving instruction on the proper use of new technologies, or simply being reminded of standard driving techniques, possessing the knowledge of what to do in different situations greatly helps when you need to react quickly in potentially life-threatening situations. Because we are human, we often tend to forget what we have been taught. I believe having yearly driver education classes to refresh the minds of current drivers could greatly aid in reducing road fatalities. The quest to be a safe driver is not a one-time endeavor but a life-long pursuit. I found my own driver’s education experience to be quite helpful. It prepared me with the correct mindset with which to approach driving. Being in the driver’s seat is a serious responsibility that should not be treated lightly. Those driving are accountable not only for the safety of themselves but also for everyone else they share the roads with.

But having proper driving education alone is insufficient. We must also inwardly decide how we view the purpose of driving. One of the greatest problems is our idea of transportation itself. The goal is to get from one point to another as quickly as possible. As a result, drivers often do not put their seat belts on, do not fully check for children and objects behind them, and do not obey road signs. This driving mindset leads to aggressive behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. As a result of our be-quick, save-time mentality, many of us rush through the drive-thru before eating as we are on the road. Not only does eating while driving create a stressful meal environment, but it forces drivers to divide their attention. If we were willing to take a little time out of our day, we could sit down, eat a good meal, and feel calmer as a result. We can also feel less rushed in our driving by simply leaving earlier. Too many drivers become more concerned with time and speed than with safety. We must remember that driving is not a game, and neither is it a competition. It is the last place for needlessly taking chances or testing out one’s “superman” driving abilities. The first goal is safety, not simply getting to the destination in record time. I believe that the error in this driving mindset needs to be emphasized even more in our driving education. Before we can effectively solve problems, we must first change the way we fundamentally think about driving.

Additionally, cell phone use is another major issue on our roadways. Perhaps more than anything else, phones are likely to steal control of the driver’s attention. They serve as highly effective distractions that often prevent drivers from noticing potential hazards. In yet worse cases, phones quite literally run cars off the road because drivers were paying no attention whatsoever. Driving must be viewed as a full-time job. The attempt to multi-task by texting or calling while driving is the same as completing only half a responsibility at work. If I am driving while also on my phone, I am not properly fulfilling my full-time job during that time. Driving itself is often enough of a stressful and multi-task process. We do not need to add more responsibilities to an already full workload.

Furthermore, the effects of alcohol on one’s reaction time and ability to respond correctly should be fully taught and revealed in driving education courses. Drunk driving is perhaps one of the saddest realities in automobile accidents. Such behavior is wholly irresponsible and puts the lives of both the driver and many others in grave danger. If we expect to make meaningful changes in road safety, we simply cannot continue to act as if this behavior is somehow acceptable under any circumstances. If commercial truck drivers are not allowed to drive with an alcohol content above 0.04%, there is no reason for every other driver to have an alcohol content of up to 0.08%. Non-commercial drivers make up a larger percentage of the total vehicles on the road and therefore represent a greater possibility for roadway accidents. I am thankful to have had an instructor who was willing to fully expose the dangers of alcohol when it comes to safe and responsible driving.

Ultimately, the future of safe driving depends on my willingness to take personal responsibility for every action made behind the wheel. Proper driving education is critical in teaching and establishing the correct mindset every driver needs. If we are well-informed drivers who are not distracted, who obey the rules of the road, and who are more concerned with safety than with speed, we will find our journeys to and from destinations to be far more pleasant experiences. Through our actions, we can keep other drivers safe by keeping ourselves safe. Do not allow the phone, the food, the drink, or other distractions to share the driver’s seat with you. I am certainly committed to doing as much, and I hope to encourage others to do the same. Let’s take responsibility! Let’s take control! And the next time you hear about the tragic results of reckless driving, you will be glad you did.