Driving Safe: Not Just a Habit; But a Lifestyle

In 2018, a friend of mine was involved in a nearly fatal accident where she hit an elderly man’s vehicle, which caused him to drive into a building. This avoidable accident was due to her speeding, texting, and running a stop sign; almost taking his life. After this incident, she enrolled in a driving course to educate herself on road safety and awareness
According to driverknowledge.com, 3 million car accidents occur every year, with an average of 90 fatal car accidents every day. According to cbmclaw.com, about 90% of all car accidents are due to human error. These numbers are steadily rising as the years pass due to several distractions such as using technology, eating, etc. while operating a vehicle. With the drastic numbers in U.S. car accident rates, one would think that more Americans would opt into driving courses to educate themselves on road safety.

Driving courses are beneficial to all drivers, especially teenage and new drivers. A driving course can effectively prevent car accidents, traffic stops, and tickets, as well as fatalities. A few things that drivers’ education teaches are road regulations and rules, the meaning of signs, how to drive safely on the road, and other imperative information. There are flexible course options that anyone can participate in, from online courses to in-person driving training classes. Driving courses can also be beneficial by reducing car insurance rates, resulting in a lowered premium. Driving courses gives drivers more insight, awareness, and overall confidence about road safety to protect ourselves and others while driving.

Even though driving courses have many benefits, many Americans choose not to participate in them unless required by law. Whether or not one chooses to take a driving course, there are a plethora of ways that one can practice driving safety. The most effective practice that all drivers should apply is making sure they wear their seat belts every time they drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. Unfortunately, we cannot predict what will happen to us daily. Even the safest driver on the road can be seriously injured while driving due to someone else’s mistake. Hence the importance of wearing a seatbelt while driving. Even if one is not at fault, wearing a seat belt can drastically reduce the chance of being injured or worst if involved in a car accident.

Another practice that I feel is very important in reducing accidents and being a safer driver is getting proper vehicle maintenance. Vehicle maintenance typically includes checking the tires, fluids, brakes, headlights and taillights, steering wheels, and anything else that helps the car run the way it is supposed to. This can keep a car from malfunctioning on the road, potentially resulting in a car accident. Another important tip for safe driving is simply being alert. One can practice staying alert while driving by paying attention to speed limits and road signs, avoiding driving late if possible, paying attention to your surroundings, having correct driving posture, and not driving too close to cars; in case a quick reaction is needed. These practices increase driver alertness and decrease the chances of highway hypnosis. Driversed.com defines highway hypnosis as operating a vehicle in a dulled, drowsy, trance-like state. During highway hypnosis, drivers usually do not have any recollection of their surroundings while operating their vehicle. Ways to combat highway hypnosis are drinking caffeinated drinks, taking small breaks in between driving, driving with a partner, getting plenty of rest before driving, and even listening to the radio or podcast while you are driving.

Drivers should also make sure they are reducing as many distractions as possible. A distraction is a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else, according to the Oxford dictionary. A distraction while driving can be utilizing a cell phone, eating, changing the radio, reaching for something in the car, along with others. Driving under the influence is the number one way that a driver can be distracted. Distractions can negatively impact not only the driver but other drivers as well, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drunk drivers account for approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States.
In conclusion, though operating a vehicle is beneficial, driving can be very unpredictable. Driving courses should be more encouraged for all ages to ensure that drivers are more assured while on the road. There are many flexible options for driving courses; and with simple research, one could find which option can work best for them. And in the case that one chooses not to enroll in a driving course, they should stay up to date on road rules and practice safe driving for the protection of themselves and others on the road. Driving safely is not just a habit. It is a way of life and the responsibility of everyone operating a motor vehicle.