Drivers Ed

Want to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving? Driver’s education plays an essential role when reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Driver’s education instills essential skills and the knowledge you need in order to have the confidence and defensive driving techniques, as well as the knowledge of the rules when driving on the road. Learning traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and responsibility on the road is an extremely important part of driving. An automobile is one of the most dangerous to operate, as it is extremely risky. So knowing all of the safety techniques and understanding the laws will ensure that not only you are safe from harm on the road, but everyone around you is safe as well.

Some of the answers we all already know as to the steps it takes to reduce the number of deaths related to driving and we all have heard them a million times. Some I would like to reiterate are the following. We as a community should stand together and always insist that every passenger buckle up in every seat while in your vehicle. This will prevent you and them from possible ejection from the vehicle during a crash. It is a known fact that seatbelts do save lives. If a passenger refuses to buckle up, tell them they cannot ride in your vehicle without properly fastening up. This will force them to buckle up in your car if they want to be a passenger. If not, they can find another ride. You have to be stern and strict with your approach.

Never get behind the wheel of a car if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, not in the right frame of mind or tired. When you have been drinking or taking recreational drugs, your reaction time and your mind is just on point like it is when you are sober. Always find a ride from someone who is not impaired, even if it means making a phone call to your parents to come pick you up. Your parents will appreciate the fact that you did not get in a car with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your parents will be thankful that you made a mature decision to be safe from harm. Always try to make sure that you are not exhausted when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Many deaths are due to those falling asleep behind the wheel. This could be avoided by getting the proper rest before getting into your car.

With the constant distraction of cell phones, whether our phones are ringing, or our notifications are going off from texts messages or from our social media accounts, phones are a huge no-no when driving and operating a vehicle. A person is 23 times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident while sending a text message than if they were just driving and operating their vehicle. When I am driving, I turn on the Driving Focus option which helps drivers to focus on the road. Once this function is turned on, text messages and other notifications are silenced or limited, and the person sending the message will be notified that the person they tried to contact is driving. I absolutely love this feature and think more people should utilize it. It is a great benefit to have while driving and not wanting to be interrupted and distracted.

Retesting seniors is another way we can reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Retesting the elderly can ensure that they are aware of the new safety laws and keep them more aware on the road. This gives family members peace of mind knowing their loves one are safe on the road when they share the same road with the general public. This will ensure safety for themselves and for everyone around them. With their cognitive decline, decreased vision, decreased motor skills and reaction time, retesting seniors can ensure the roads are relatively safe.

Thankfully I have never been in a vehicle with someone who is driving erratic or irresponsibly. I have an extremely close relationship with my parents and am never afraid to call them if I need them. They support me 100% and are always there for me in a time of need. My parents have always instilled the fact that honestly is the best policy and safety is everyone’s number one priority. There were many nights I had to call on my parents to come pick me and my friends up because we did not want to get in a vehicle with someone who was impaired.

If we could all practice these tips, we would all be in a much better situation on the roads. There is no room for error or distraction when operating a vehicle. The roads are already filled with tons of distractions, adding to the distractions will only cause things to be worse for you while on the roads. Stay safe everyone and practice safe driving each and every day!