In the Driver’s Seat

Driving has long seemed to many young adults to be the gateway to ultimate freedom, independence, and maturity. Though it appears to be effortless and exciting, there are hazards that even the most experienced drivers can not anticipate. Young drivers must learn that such dangers are not always within their control. As a driver, one is responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner and paying close attention to environmental cues. Driving on the road can have damaging and often fatal consequences if not abiding to the enforced
speed limit, lack of attention, and consuming substances that impair proper brain function. Drivers’ education programs not only teach how to drive and maintain a safe environment, but also provide information on how to regain control in unexpected situations. These programs are important for providing proper etiquette necessary for driving and prevention of serious car accidents that often result in serious injuries or death.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel approximately 1.35 million people die in road crashes globally each year. Out of these crashes approximately 3,700 people lose their lives daily, and 20-50 million suffer non-fatal injuries that result in long term disability. To avoid and minimize the incidence of traffic-related deaths, one must first ensure that they are capable of driving. Though it is usually emphasized that one should not drive when impaired, it is frequently overlooked that many accidents are caused by a fatigued driver. In our current society tardiness is a serious violation, in hopes of avoiding such an uncomfortable situation drivers choose to get behind the wheel and drive knowing that they did not get enough sleep or did not sleep at all. In this case the driver is not only risking his/her wellbeing but also the wellbeing of their passengers and other drivers. Often people forget or choose to ignore other available options such as asking a close relative/friend/coworker for a ride or using public transportation, as it may take longer than the time they have allotted. Something that may aid this common reoccurrence is normalizing commute/traffic related tardiness as this is something that is out of the driver’s control as well as encouraging drivers to take rest stops when it comes to interstate travel.

Another important and often overlooked safety practice that can reduce the number of car related deaths is ensuring that all passengers are properly buckled in. Often focusing on just ourselves is not enough. We as humans tend to forget, meaning that even the most responsible person may get carried away in a conversation and forget to buckle their seatbelt. It may take a few additional seconds to double-check, but it might save your life or the life of someone you care about.

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily life, texting while driving and other cell phone use is becoming a life-threatening norm. Cell phone use, for whatever reason, provides a distraction that prevents the brain from focusing on the immediate driving. Despite the fact that age isn’t always a factor, data show that teen accidents account for the majority of distracted driving instances. Self-control becomes the most essential discipline to prevent fatalities since leaving the house without a phone is no longer an option. Practices such as placing one’s phone out of reach or on a do not disturb setting, using apps that prevent access to social media while driving, asking a passenger to be responsible for texts or calls, and most importantly self-monitoring urges to use a phone. One text can wait, but the road cannot.

Car accidents can happen in an instant, no matter where you are or how cautious you are. One day it happened to me. It was just a normal day, after my classes had ended, as usual, I had gone home to eat lunch before my two-hour practice. As a senior and a captain of my high school cheerleading team, it was my responsibility to arrive early to discuss our practice goals. This day I was too early, so after parking my car in front of the school as I usually did, I sat in the car and waited for my coach. Then, just minutes after being parked, everything became a blur. I was t-boned by another car. The sound of the metal-to-metal impact and my head being pushed into the window caused ringing in my ears. Instantly tears rolled down my face as the impact has caused my neck to move involuntarily. I was in shock. The passenger side of both doors were pushed in, and the other car barely had any damage. I was terrified. I would have never imagined this to happen. A simple parking spot, the final destination, became just as dangerous as a constantly moving road. Since that day, my neck has recovered, but I’ve learned an unforgettable lesson: no matter how safe you think you are in your car, there are always unanticipated hazards.

To become a better and safer driver it is essential to set our priorities and boundaries. Though it may be tempting to drive, we must be aware of what we may be sacrificing. Practicing awareness and self-control have become an important part of my driving journey. I also try to avoid driving for extended periods of time. We select a driver and stop at rest stops to exchange drivers when we embark on road trips with friends or relatives. This provides for much-needed rest while also promoting safety and alertness. I try to avoid using my phone while driving unless it’s really necessary, like GPS assistance. Moreover, when I see a friend use their phone, I offer to do what they intend to do for them. Though these steps seem insignificant, a simple reminder can reassert the necessity of strictly focusing on the obstacles that the road presents. A simple act of being cautious can save not only your life but the life of others around you.