One Small Distraction, One Big Mistake

Each day we are desensitized by the news. There are always new stories to uncover: new murders, new natural disasters, new accidents. In America, it has become concerningly common to hear about disastrous car crashes. Being from the popular city of Miami, I have definitely seen more than one car crash daily while passing idly by. The distraught faces, the police lights flashing, and even the totaled cars are ordinary sights in this big city.

Driver education is important to help prevent such traumatizing events. By learning more about driver education, we can be more attentive towards simple, yet deadly causes of accidents such as cell phone usage. Before getting their driver’s permit, each Florida resident is required to take the Drivers Education course. In this course, you are exposed to multiple different scenarios and are taught how to respond to each situation. You are explained how to operate a car and common road rules regarding pedestrians, signs, lights and signals. They greatly emphasize paying attention to your surroundings and to think quickly on your feet. Ideally while these rules are followed, the road will be a safe place to drive, but nonetheless, the road will inevitably be unpredictable.

In order to help reduce accidents, you must steer clear of all distractions. This includes cell phone usage, substance use, and even emotional distress. All of these factors may cause you to focus your attention elsewhere and will disable you from being completely aware. While it is completely normal to receive a phone call or to feel intense emotion, it is best to attend to that off the wheel. Even with a small choice like this, you could be saving another life. Advocacy is also another great way to bring awareness to the subject. By bringing awareness, you enable people to reflect on their own driving habits and to hopefully change for the better.

While I have never been in a car crash, I have a great history with the topic. When I was about eleven years old, my father got into his first car crash. He fractured a small part of his neck, but at the time it was nothing serious. He began to take medication to help relieve the pain and was overall stable. A couple years pass by, and he has gotten into another three car accidents. His neck and spinal cord were partly shattered, along with a part of his knee. He underwent surgery and through a miracle, was mostly back to normal. While he could not do simple activities such as running or jumping, he was able to mobilize himself fairly well. A couple more years pass, and my father gets into another two car accidents. Now, thanks to more surgery and hundreds of prayers, they stabilized his neck, back and knee. While he is still under a great amount of medication, I like to believe that he’s feeling better each day. Due to this rather traumatic event on my father’s part, I am very keen on safe driving. I’ve seen and experienced what a simple distraction can cause and the consequences of a small mistake.

While driving, I always make sure to minimize distractions as much as possible. I refuse to use my phone, and barely consume any type of food or beverage while driving. In terms of human interactions, I am fairly capable of multitasking. Holding a conversation doesn’t affect my driving or attentiveness, but the second I need extra concentration, I quickly pause the conversation and then resume when I feel comfortable. One thing I think is common to struggle with is staying within the speed limit. I tend to go over the speed limit when driving, which is something I need to be more conscious of. I intend to pay more attention to my speed and the speed of everyone around me to help ensure a safe driving environment for everyone on the open road. In terms of others, I believe that sharing different driving tips is a great way to help each other stay safe. Through a simple warning, whether it be a text or even word of mouth, each reminder is one step closer to a secure driving domain.

Driving is a crucial part of everyday life, especially here in the states. With practically unwalkable streets, driving is the easiest way to mobilize yourself. It is important to remind yourself and others of the dangers on the road and to continuously stay alert. By doing this, you are doing yourself and fellow drivers a humongous favor.