In the Driver’s Seat Essay

Tashaun Saunders

Driver Education Initiative

November 29, 2020

In the Driver’s Seat Essay

Driver education is a crucial part in making sure that the roads stay safe as possible. Even though we take advantage of driving, it is a serious issue that can be detrimental when it is not performed correctly. According to several statistics listed on the following websites: www.asirt.org, and https.//health.ucdavis.edu, reveals some alarming rates of people affected by car accidents each year. Sadly, some of these accidents end up in permanent injuries or fatalities. Driving a car is arguably more dangerous when you do not have the proper knowledge and training by a professional instructor on how to drive a motor vehicle safely. The best way to reduce the casualties of car accidents is to teach people not only how to drive but hold them accountable of any negligent acts while driving. Stricter repercussions should be mandated for any type of excessive speeding, distracted driving and driving under the influence.

When people drive, they should remember that they are operating heavy machinery and should be cautious of how they use it. Driving is a privilege and must be taken seriously. As for my personal experience, I have been in a few vehicles with people driving irresponsibly. I have also been in cars with people that ran red lights, drove while on social media, and ate food while driving. In addition, I have witnessed speeding or driving too slow and even someone ramming the car from behind because their foot slipped off the brake. A couple of years ago, one of my relatives was in an accident while transporting my 88-year old great grandmother at that time.

One thing I need to do to become a safer driver is stop answering calls while I am driving. I tend to respond to the many calls that come through while I am on the road. In addition, my phone will buzz the notifications from social media pages on my phone while I am driving. One safe action I have done is to place my notifications on silent and turn on “Do not disturb” on my phone to prevent any distractions. Another safety action I perform is to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of me. A great tip someone told me is to increase the distance based on the speed that I am driving. If we are driving 10 mph, remain one car length apart. If we are driving 20 mph, keep two car lengths distance apart. The same for 30, 40, 50, etc. Furthermore, when you come to a stop and there is a car in front of you; stop at a distance where you can see the car’s back tires. My mom calls it R & R, not for rest and relaxation, but keeping a visual of the car’s rear tires to the road sitting in front of me!