Safety Behind the Wheel

Isabella Van Dyke

30 October 2020

Safety Behind the Wheel

When we get behind the wheel, we are not only putting ourselves at risk but also those around us. It is our job, as motorists, to drive safely and responsibly in order to minimize the risk to those who share the road with us. While drivers go through numerous steps in order to obtain a license permitting them to drive legally, there are still accidents that occur. Whether this is due to people overestimating their driving skills or people just being reckless this only further proves how important it is for drivers to go through proper training and education before being behind the wheel.

When obtaining our license I’m sure we can all recall the process of having to go through obtaining a permit. While back then it may have seemed tedious–whether it was the countless hours spent preparing for the written test or behind the wheel sessions with a licensed professional– we seem to take for granted how important that whole process really is. By completing the online courses of basic driver knowledge that prevents new drivers from going out onto roads with no idea on how to read traffic, road signs, etc. or even provides drivers with basic knowledge on how to operate a vehicle. When having no knowledge of the road and/or one’s vehicle, there is a high risk when driving. Drivers like these pose the risk of potentially misreading signs or making dangerous manoeuvres on the road which could lead to accidents. So while new drivers still have to gain experience actually driving on the road and learning their vehicle, at least they can do so with a lower chance of being involved in a deadly accident (by having basic driver education).

When it comes to reducing the numbers of deaths related to driving there are some key things to consider: speed, distractions, and influence. When on the road, no matter what your level of driving experience is, speed is always something to consider. It is important to always maintain a safe limit (either the one stated on the speed limit, one that gives you proper following distance to the car in front of you, or one suitable for current weather conditions). A difference in 20 mph increases the distance it’ll take to stop your vehicle by four times. And of course because you have to account for reaction times and following distance, a safe stop isn’t always guaranteed if traveling at safe speeds because while you may be prepared for a sudden brake the people behind you can’t always predict your actions. Another issue that most drivers seem to struggle with are distractions. Distractions could be in the form of a phone, music, someone in the car talking to you, or even a negative emotional state. Accident reports have shown that it only takes a second of your eyes being off the road for an accident to occur. Because those behind the wheel are always supposed to be properly scanning the road in front of them while also looking ahead of them, looking down or away from the road for even a second can lead to tragedy. As for emotions, it is suggested to not get behind the wheel if you have something troubling you or on your mind. Having these thoughts while driving could corrupt one’s judgement on the road and lead to reckless driving. As for influence, this is something that once again, all drivers experience. Whether it being under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or even under the negative influence of friends, it is important to be able to clearly focus on the road while behind the wheel. Especially in the case of substances, they could affect your emotional state, your physical state, or your mental state– all which are key to driving safely. Not being able to rely on these usually ends in accidents occurring– most of which result in fatality.

I have personally been involved in a few car accidents (none while I was behind the wheel), fortunately none of them were serious. Luckily, I’ve had my family members be pretty good at setting examples while driving. Their cars have hands-free navigation so they aren’t looking away from the road, or they just know the area so well that most of the time they don’t even need a GPS anyway. Specifically my dad sets a good example, for the majority of the time he is always working or talking to clients in some form of way which could clash with driving. Rather than driving while texting at the same time he will have me be in charge of sending out texts while he is driving– either that or the phone stays down the entire time and he will wait until it is safe to do so to respond.

Speaking of texting, this is one of the steps that could be taken to be a better and safer driver. Especially if you’re a new driver try to avoid your phone while behind the wheel in general– even if it is for navigation. A phone is a major distraction and while it may only cause you to look away for a second, that is all it takes. When completing my online driver’s education I watched a segment dedicated to texting. It showed friends and family members reading the last text sent by their deceased friend/family. Some of the text messages weren’t even typed out correctly because it was obvious that the person sending them was in a rush. So as a driver it’s always important to remember that text messages aren’t worth a life and can always wait. In general though, it is essential that even though you may be or think you may be an experienced driver, always be cautious on the road. Even though you are careful on the road doesn’t mean others will be so drive as if other drivers are reckless– don’t assume they are going to stop at that red light (clear your intersections), or turn on their turning signal, or give you right of way. Of course while the chances of an accident occurring on the road are never 0%, at least by being mindful of things mentioned previously, you can lower the odds of an accident and increase the odds of you arriving at your destination safely without injuring those around you.