The far reaching effects of distracted driving

• What is the
  importance of drivers ed in reducing the number deaths as a
  result of driving?

• What steps can
  be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

• Have you ever
  had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends
  or family members driving irresponsibly?

• What steps can you take to be a better and
  safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

Several
years ago, my grandfather was in a very serious wreck. He was driving
a large semi-truck when a smaller car cut him off only to break
abruptly. Unable to stop himself in time, my Grandfather instead
turned off the road, crashing and causing serious mental issues.
After that day, he was never the same. Everyone who knew him can
testify that he became a different man. Because of one man, I never
knew my Grandfather, only the dementia plagued man he became. Years
later, he and my Grandmother got into another wreck. We thought
little of it at the time, ignoring the growing issues. The damage
caused by one simple wreck led to the development of an auto-immune
disease and death of my Grandmother. All of this pain in my family
can be traced to one bad driver many years ago.

I
am one of millions who have to deal with pain and losses from car
accidents, many of which can be prevented. More often then not I see
my fellow drivers eating, applying makeup, or more recently texting.
One of my close friends watched a cop get ticketed for distracted
driving. Distracted driving is a serious issue for today’s drivers.
According to the CDC, 9 people a day are killed due to distracted
driving. This, thankfully, is easy to address. In Idaho, a hands off
bill has been passed. Through this, phones aren’t allowed to be
used while driving, including texting and calling. Drivers ed
also makes a strong point to warn against distracted driving. I
remember my online drivers ed being filled with warnings and
statistics. Even now, I find myself reminded with PSAs on television.

I
personally can make it a priority to stay off my phone while driving.
My sister is beginning drivers ed. I can do my best to help her and
keep her from driving distracted. With so many crashes being caused
by new and young drivers, I don’t want her to become another
statistic. I can also keep my parents accountable. I am constantly
reminding my Mom to put her phone down, which has thankfully become
less common in the past few days. There isn’t much that one person
can do, but change can start with small steps.