What safe driving means to me.

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

I am a new driver and recently completed driver’s education classes. It is important for me to understand safe driving not only for myself but to protect others on the road. The goal of being transported is to get to your destination and back safely. Then it is very important to know about safe driving, know the driving laws and be aware of the statistics of deaths related to driving. Deaths related to driving can be prevented so it is important to take driver’s education classes and take them seriously. Unfortunately, the percentages of deaths have increased during the COVID pandemic. Though roads were less traveled by the public due to government and stores shut down, deaths due to driving in Maryland were increased by seventeen percent in 2020 as compared to 2019 (AAA Mid-Atlantic 2021). Some drivers were probably tempted to drive recklessly with the less congested and wide open lanes on highways which in turn led to accidents. There are many reasons and triggers that relate to reckless driving and driving accidents. Some examples include increased use of alcohol as some indulged in the pandemic, speeding and aggression with the thoughts that drivers had open roads to indulge. There were lower traffic counts in 2020 but my state of Maryland in addition to deaths related to the pandemic endured increased deaths due to driving unsafely.

Driver’s education can give all driver’s knowledge to prevent deaths and to be defensive drivers. As a possible step to reduce the number of driving related deaths, at some point in the driving careers, my idea is that all drivers should refresh their driving knowledge with refresher classes. This will ensure all are aware of the latest driving laws, newest driving trends and latest stats on accidents with accident prevention tips. The refresher class can be added to the driver’s license renewal process. I have not personally experienced a driving accident nor have I witnessed any family or friends driving irresponsibly. But I have seen examples in the media. I feel for the families of those who have experienced loss at the hands of irresponsible drivers. One current trend in the local news that I see especially in summer months are youth riding motor bikes recklessly in the streets. The police do not have ways of catching the drivers in these instances due to no chase rules in the local areas. The best thing I can do as a new driver is be very diligent with my driving. I will always drive keeping safety in the forefront of my mind. I will manage my temperament with driving to not get emotionally charged when others are being irresponsible drivers. I will drive when I am completely rested and able to physically handle the drive to and from my destinations. The article titled- Fatalities And Fatal Crashes Up On Less – Traveled Maryland Roads offers five tips to be safer in cars. The five tips include- wearing your seatbelt, slow down, avoid distractions, drive cautiously and drive sober. These are reasonable and painless tips. The difficulty is getting the public to buy in and take heed to the recommendations. This includes willingness to take a tug at the hearts of man. People tend to really understand the gravity of actions and recommendations with personal knowledge and personal stories. Locally it will take very deliberate and ongoing efforts to get the statistics about deaths related to driving out to the public. My personal opinion is to suggest a high level and high paced social media safe driving campaign. Teens of young people are glued to their phones consistently so giving them information to internalize and act on through their most popular outlets makes sense to me. Also, the influence of stars and celebrities can help so making advertisements on Tic Toc by celebs like rappers, models, comedians may help push the cause and be influential. Driving school requirements are reasonable but to further the attention and seriousness necessary to have ongoing considerations for safe driving is best advertised by social media and entertainers. Unfortunately, both young and adults are more influenced in my opinion by media with touching relatable stories more than by rules and more driving laws. In closing, it is a choice and privilege to drive and get a driver’s license. As a responsible member of adulthood and society, I will always do my part to be safe and keep others safe. I can only control myself and how I actively involve myself positively in my community!

Reference:

The Southern Maryland Chronicle. AAA Mid-ATLANTIC. Fatalities And Fatal Crashes Up On Less- Traveled Maryland Roads In 2020. March 18, 2021