Safe Driving Saves Lives

 

It was raining and dark outside and I was scared. This was my first time driving a car. I was in the ninth grade and in the last few weeks of my driver’s education class. Taking this class taught me so much. While I had ridden in a car as a passenger for years, being behind the steering wheel was extremely different. Taking a driver’s education class is important, it can reduce the number of deaths related to driving and helps us become safe drivers.  

 

Driver’s education is important because it can help reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. These classes teach new drivers the rules and safety information before they get a driver’s license or to improve driving. These classes prepare drivers for various situations that may occur. This education also gives people the opportunity to practice driving with an instructor in the car. Driver’s education promotes responsible behavior behind the wheel, improving hazard alertness, creating a safe environment within a vehicle, and following the rules and regulations of law enforcement and policymakers. If students and drivers practice driving and follow the rules and information they learn in driver’s education, this will lower the number of deaths caused by driving. Each driver will help make our streets safer.  

 

There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. My mom shared with me, when she grew up in the 1980’s seatbelts were not required, and many people did not wear them in North Carolina. She also told me little children, rode in the front seat, on the arm rest with no seatbelts. Times have changed. One step that can help reduce the number of deaths is for drivers and passengers to always put on their seatbelts. It can also help if passengers in the back seat also wear their seatbelts. I believe it is the responsibility of the driver to make sure everyone wears their seatbelts before they start driving the vehicle. It is also important for adults to make sure babies and children are in the proper car seats. Another step that can be taken is for drivers to wear glasses or contacts every time they drive. Wearing the proper types of shoes while driving can also reduce the number of deaths related to driving. All drivers and passengers should avoid impaired driving. Also, people can reduce nighttime driving, and limit distractions including people, phones and eating.  

 

I have experienced friends driving irresponsibly. Some examples of this include running red lights, racing, driving impaired and texting while driving. When individuals drive with reckless behavior their life is not the only one in danger. Passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road are also in danger. It is a scary experience riding in a car with someone going extremely fast, driving while impaired or with little to no driving experience. A person’s life can change in a split second based on the way you and the people around you drive. After riding with friends that did not drive safely, I have learned it is best to use ride share services, refrain from riding with certain friends and talk to them about making better choices.  

 

I can become a better and safer driver by making sure my passengers and I always wear seatbelts. Turning down the music when I drive and asking my passengers to limit loud talking and wild behaviors can help me drive safely. It is also best for me to remind myself not to answer telephone calls, text or use my phone to look up information while I am driving. I should continue pulling over in a safe place to use my phone. Being mindful and observant of other drivers around me, looking both ways and pausing before I start to drive when a traffic light turns green, will also make me a safer driver. It is completely unsafe for people to drink and drive, along with any other substance that can impair their vision, thinking and decision making. One of the biggest ways I can help others become safer on the road is encouraging people to take drive shares back home (in a group) when they are impaired. Although a person may have to pay to get home, that is much better than risking their lives and the lives of others. I can also share my knowledge and habits of safe driving with my friends.  

 

Driver’s education is important because it can help reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce deaths related to operating a motor vehicle. These include always wearing seatbelts and corrective lenses, avoiding impaired driving, and limiting distractions while driving. It is important to learn from past experiences of friends driving irresponsibly. I have learned the importance of taking ride share services, refraining from riding with certain friends and talking to them about making better choices. I will continue to take steps to remain a safe driver and encourage others to do the same.