One Second of Distraction

The
importance of drivers ed in reducing the number of deaths
caused by driving is so crucial. Driving a car weighing more than a
ton or tons is a heavy responsibility; people need to come to learn
this and apply it to their life. Drivers ed gives access to
this training, to enable drivers to be the most responsible they can
be for the right reasons.

Some
steps to reduce deaths related to driving should include encouraging
drivers courses with tests and also videos of peoples experiences to
show the risks driving creates. Constantly reminding drivers to stay
off their phones and other distractions with billboards, radio
commercials etc. Giving courses on the safety of your car, the
importance of the seat belt, the right ways to turn when sliding.
Emphasizing how dangerous driving under the influence is, reminding
people to keep others safe and to not drive when not fully capable.

I
have had the experience of being in a car accident while my sister
was driving. It was very eye opening in the sense of realizing how
quick a mistake can happen and turn into something serious. She had
glanced away at her phone for a second when the cars in front of us
were stopping to let someone cross the street, when we both looked up
it was too late to stop so she veered to the left and hit the rear
left side of the car in front of us. Luckily the damage from the
situation was only to the cars and not any person. It was a moment of
distraction that ended up in a car accident, one that would have been
completely avoided with focus on the road. I have seen friends and
family members drive irresponsibly, whether it’s simply going too
fast or switching the music on their phones. There are so many
possible distractions these days and it’s scary to realize what they
can do.

To
be safer on the road I can limit my distractions, turn off my ringer,
set my music ahead of time, focus on the speed limit, know the
driving conditions I’m going into. To help others become safer I
can encourage them to not let distractions hold their focus while
driving and the risk that poses to others, I can be open about my
personal experience to relate how fast an accident can happen. I can
make sure I never see anyone who isn’t fully ready to drive doesn’t
get in a car. And really just be open and honest about how important
safe driving is in conversation.