In The Drivers Seat

In The Drivers Seat

Driving is an amazing privilege, but one often taken advantage of. Sadly, some of the most common reasons for car accidents are totally preventable: distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights and/or stop signs. These are majors reasons why driver education is important to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving.

Thankfully, deaths connected to motor vehicles dropped 2% in 2019, but sadly, 38,800 people still lost their lives. In fact, approximately 4.4 million people also required medical attention due to a crash. Driver education is important because it allows prospective drivers to understand the risks of getting behind the wheel and how they’re actions can result in tragedy.

Time after time, whether I am personally driving or not, I can look around and see distracted driving around me. Most frequently, texting and just generally not paying attention. I have almost gotten into 2 big accidents because of the drivers around me. I’ve only had my license for 1.5 years and I’ve already been witness to many drivers being irresponsible. Sadly, my friends also drive distractedly. Whether they’re snap-chatting or texting people back, my friends are distracted. It is irresponsible. They think it’s cool to use their phone in the car, it’s not. My friends don’t acknowledge the dangers of looking away from the road for a few seconds – a child could be crossing the street, a deer could run out, or a stoplight might change to red at the last second. Their decisions could change they’re life within 5 seconds. I tell my friends to stop, but they’re stuck in their ways. I pray for them to change their ways before something tragic happens to them or someone else.

If you want to become a better and safer driver, use turn signals, keep your phone off, look ahead while driving, and watch your surroundings. I have never been in an accident because I follow these guidelines every time I buckle up. Teaching prospective drivers these simple steps

is essential to safe and responsible driving. The more responsible drivers on the road will hopefully result in less fatalities. Also, drive when you’re comfortable! If it’s raining or snowing and you’re nervous, don’t risk it. Know the terrain you’re driving on, it could be slick and icy. As a New Englander, snow storms are a norm around here; however, you will not find me driving in a huge snowstorm. I know my limits as a driver, and I know I’m not experienced enough for that.

In order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, buckle up, limit night time driving, don’t speed or drive recklessly, don’t depend on other drivers, do not drive with substances in your system, and always buckle up. Most deaths related to motor vehicles can all be prevented! Sadly, 800 people per day are injured in a drunk driving crash and 30 people die. These numbers are extreme considering an Uber is just one call away. If you aren’t well enough to drive, don’t do it. It can cost a life.

In conclusion, driver education is extremely important to inform drivers of safety and good decisions. Little things can impact your life in an instance. It’s key to have these drivers educated, they are the future of our roads.