Safe Driving

The Texas Department of Transportation partners with the City of Austin in achieving the vision zero goal. The vision zero goal is to have one deathless day on Texas roadways by the year 2050. Texas has achieved this goal in November of 2000 and would like to have another deathless day again by 2050.

Educating the community about safe driving is the key in reducing fatalities on Texas roadways. One can educate through social media with messages about wearing seat belt and don’t drink and drive. There are organizations that provide flyers, pens, coaster, stickers, and other gadgets with traffic safety messages on them at community events. Without taking a proper driving class education there would not be an acknowledgement on how to drive safely on the road and to take serious precautions in case of car accident.

Another important of driver’s education is learning the use of lights on the road. During the night when there is lack of visibility which may result in vehicle accident. The use of lights at night and even during the day are very important to see nearby objects and to have high levels of awareness while driving.

I have been involved in vehicle accident several years ago. I was 13 years old and I was a passenger and my mom was the driver. We both wore our seat belts. We were at stop light waiting for the green light. We were rear-ended from another vehicle behind us. The other driver was texting and driving and did not see our vehicle waiting for the traffic light to turn green. After the vehicle hit us from behind, my mom swerved to the left to avoid hitting the car in front of us. Luckily, there wasn’t any cars in the lane when my mom swerved to the left. No one was hurt except for our vehicles.

There are ways to keep driver’s safe on the road. Based on my personal vehicle accident experience, you should not text and drive because you need to focus your eyes on the road. You need to see what is around you and in front of you while you are driving and your attention should be on driving and not texting on your phone. Your eyes and attention will be taken away if you text on your phone while driving. If you think a test message or phone call might be too important to wait, get off the road and bring your car to a full, safe, and complete stop. You should never overestimate your ability to multitask. Also, remember that when it comes to distracted driving your cell phone is not the only culprit. There are distractions such as fast food, radio, and socializing with one another while driving can take your eyes and mind off the road.

It may be an inconvenience but if you need to use designated driver to ensure that you and others arrive safely to your destinations.

Don’t allow children to fight or climb around in your car – they should be buckled in their seats always. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.

Avoid driving when you’re tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.

Other suggestions for safe driving includes to build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business; adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear; pull over to eat or drink because it takes only a few minutes; secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion; don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor; have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes; always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Also, never think that being on time for a business meeting or social engagement is worth risking your life and safety and the lives and safety of others. You should always drive at a speed that you are 100% confident that is safe. You should never determine a safe driving speed based solely on the road signs and watch out for road conditions too.

Lastly, never fall prey that to the belief that it can never happen to you. In the absence of a Safety 360 degrees mindset, it can happen to anyone. So, when driving, make a safety not just your top priority, but your only concern.