Safety First!

We were in the car, taking a normal road trip. My mom and dad were talking quietly about the drive at the front, while I was sprawled in the backseat (still strapped in of course) absorbed in trying to build a roller coaster in Minecraft. Out of nowhere, I heard a loud bang as I was lurched forward, tablet tumbling out of hand. Luckily, my seatbelt prevented me from being thrown off of the seat but I could feel the straps dig into my skin. My head spun as I tried to reorient myself, hearing the worried calls of my mom and dad. Something had hit our car from the back and as I peered over my seat I could see the huge dent that had formed in the trunk. Fortunately, none of us had been seriously hurt but the impact of the car crash stayed with us long after. My mom suffered from chronic neck pain after the incident, and she needed to see a chiropractor weekly for the pain. We remember that incident and are reminded of it every time we get into a car.

In the US it is nearly impossible to get anywhere outside of the bustling cities without a car. The car has become a staple in the American home as a necessity and a symbol of freedom. I know many of my friends who are eager to get behind the wheel and go anywhere without their parents. Many are using older vehicles or are trying out owning one for the first time. This is where knowledge and awareness come in, make sure to maintain vehicles. Keeping track of miles as well as when to take your car in for service can prevent any potential mishaps on the road. Not everyone is a mechanic, and it can be expensive but making sure to have a functioning vehicle can prevent many accidents.

Beyond knowing your vehicle, it is important to receive proper education regarding road safety. The laws surrounding traffic may seem daunting, but it’s worth it in the end. Taking structured courses, especially at a younger age where the brain is more receptive to new information, has been shown to drastically reduce a driver’s chance of an accident. Drivers who take these courses in their teens have been shown to be able to retain the information from these courses for a longer time. Driver’s ed courses are not only designed to give new drivers the know-how of traffic signs and laws but to ingrain safe driving habits. This includes making sure all distractions are put away, what to look out for during longer drives, and what to do when an accident occurs. Over time and with diligent practice, these habits will turn into an ability to anticipate and react to a fluid situation, a skill that is invaluable for any driver.

As someone who is going to be behind the wheel soon, I would follow all of the steps I prescribed above. But the main points are to stay alert and stay calm no matter the situation. Keeping distractions like phones and podcasts out of mind will keep the clutter out of your mind as you are cruising down the I-95. Make sure you check if everything is functioning not only in the car but on the roads as well. Check for weather and if they will affect road conditions. Be prepared and alert, sometimes the longer route is the safer option. Try to control what you can, like timing, car conditions, your own mental health before getting on the road. Do all of this but still keep in mind, accidents can still happen. Expect the unexpected, especially in an ever-changing situation, and remember to remain calm. Check the damage and immediately start to act on a reliable plan of action that will help not only you but other drivers as well.

After that first accident, my family and I became a lot more alert on the road. My parents talked less when one of them was driving, trying to avoid distracting each other as best they could. Both of them kept their eyes on the road, making sure to keep a lookout for any other vehicles getting too close. I stopped laying in the backseat and now always make sure to sit upright with my seatbelt properly positioned across my chest. We now have a plan if we ever get into a more serious accident and have discussed what to do in any possible scenario. None of us want to go through another accident and we are all doing our best to make sure every drive is as safe as possible.