Eyes Everywhere

One of the most important things I am concerned about is driver safety, especially as an 18 year old who recently began driving. I’ve always been excited to begin driving ever since I was 12, but it wasn’t until I was just about to begin driving when I realized how dangerous it can be. As a beginner, I not only want to be safe on the road but also know what dangers that can come with driving.

In November of 2019 I got my permit, and during the spring of 2020 I took driver’s-ed. Though COVID-19 shut that down, my class did go virtual and finish the safety and verbal parts of the course, just not the actual driving with the instructor. During the course I found many tips of the road as well as how important it is to be safe and know the dangers I’m exposed to every time I’m behind the wheel. I strongly believe that every teenager, and every driver should take a driver’s-ed course before obtaining a license, as well as take a necessary course every few years like my parents and family members do. 

Driver education informs each driver what to look out for on the roads and how to always be paying attention. Especially within the last few years in technological advancements, cell phones have become a huge driver distraction and has caused 80 percent of drivers to be put in danger. Drinking and Driving is another huge issue, almost 11,000 people die per year of either drinking while driving, or just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Other incidents also include animal crossings and general fatigue. Drivers need to constantly be scanning the road and mirrors to know what cars are in front of them and behind them including what potential issues can arise such as seeing a deer in the distance or a ball rolling into the road. Drivers need to learn to scan, plan, and proceed in everything they see on the road. I believe that if more drivers, especially beginners, were to know this type of information, then the number of deaths in driving could be reduced. Everyone has family or someone to come home to, so steps need to be taken to make roads as safe as possible.

One specific step that drivers need to take is be smart with the condition they are in. If they are just coming back from a bar or recently had a drink, they should realize they cannot drive home, even if it was a few sips. Drivers should also notice if they feel tired and find their eyes are slowly dropping. This isn’t as common as drinking while driving but nonetheless, drivers tend to fall asleep at the wheel and aren’t as alert as they should be. In both of these conditions, they should find a friend who is in safe condition or a taxi or bus that could bring them home safely. Another step that most drivers need to take is following traffic laws. I know too many people who have gotten into traffic accidents because of people not following “no turn on red” signs and simply speeding through red lights and stop signs. A few years ago a classmate had gotten into a car crash because of a careless driver that sped through a red light. Thankfully her and her friend that were in the car didn’t get seriously injured as she attempted to stop when she saw the other car coming. Though the front of her car had the most damage in the accident and people didn’t necessarily get hurt, if she was a second ahead and didn’t see the other car coming, the results would have been much worse. Thankfully I’ve never known to have a family member driving recklessly, however I know a friend who has parents who never stop at stop signs. They will slow down into it but never fully stop. I am not aware of any crash that they have ever been in, but I do know they have been talked to by my friend and have been informed of the dangers it holds by not fully stopping. 

As a driver and person who knows of incidents above, I will make sure to be aware of everything going on around me. More specifically, even when it’s my turn to go on a green light or after I fully stop at a stop sign, I will still look twice in case other drivers are driving recklessly. I will also make sure to inform others of these types of situations so they prevent making those mistakes or make them become a well aware driver.