The Reponsibility of Safer Driving

The Responsibility of Safer Driving

Blaine Buettner

Drivers ed programs facilitate a safer transition for new drivers to public roadways. By instilling traffic laws, and providing defensive driving tips, new drivers are better prepared to keep both the public and themselves safe. Many soon to be drivers have never sat in the driver seat of a vehicle. Just like trying anything new for the first time, this can create a sense of uneasiness or even anxiety. Operating a vehicle safely requires calmness and fully divided attention followed by the knowledge of how to operate the vehicles controls. These, amongst many other lessons, are instructed in drivers ed programs. By actively preparing new drivers with the skill set of safer driving, we lower the fatality rate of driving across the nation.

In order to further reduce the number of deaths caused by driving many variables can be adjusted. By petitioning for the enactment of new laws that prohibit any form of distracted driving we can increase the reaction time of many drivers. The requirement of vehicle manufacturers to incorporate safety features such as low center of mass, hands free controls, and a required specific energy absorption rating we can lengthen the gap between collision and death rates. Accidents are guaranteed to occur, but it is up to a vehicle’s safety ratings and the active awareness of drivers to keep everyone safe.

Personally, I am very lucky to have never been involved in any serious accidents. However, many of my close friends and relatives have been involved in accidents that resulted in totaled vehicles or death. The two highest contributing factors in these cases were drunk drivers, and texting. If there is one thing, I wish would be taught in every driving school is that when you choose to drive while distracted or under the influence you are not only risking your life, but most importantly everyone else’s.

In the numerous accidents that I have avoided the awareness of my surroundings and anticipation of likely outcomes has proved most valuable. Never assume someone will do the right thing. By always anticipating the worst you give yourself time to react and reposition to a safer location on the road. By avoiding congested roadways and ensuring that you are fully focused on driving you will increase everyone’s safety. Take the time to share your encounters or a link to dashcam videos on social platforms. By seeing how accidents are commonly caused we can all anticipate them better.