Attendance on the road matters

The road is a privilege we earned through society’s new innovations which brings us a new outlet to connect places at a faster rate. While this is a privilege it brings significant responsibilities that all drivers should always abide by but sometimes they do not. Being a safe and an educated driver is not only for personal safety but also for others on the road. As we are all trying to get to our destination sometimes catastrophes can happen when not being a safe driver. My father for instance was one of the victims who suffered severe injuries from a careless driver who was not paying attention. This incident serves as a prominent reminder on why we must prioritize being safe and educated while driving.

The consequences of distracted driving come at a high cost. Several years ago, my father experienced a potentially fatal car accident as a victim to texting and driving. The driver who caused the accident was distracted on the phone, leading to a collision on my dad’s vehicle. My fathers life took a dramatic turn for the worst, he faced life threatening injuries to his back and legs which had caused him to take leave. In this devastating state it took him weeks to recover and gain function on his back. Even with all the surgeries he still cannot fully lift and carry things the way he used to. His back is healed but he still faces the brutality of the incident. Even though my dad survived the doctors recounted that he could have died since his vehicle was squished to a half. The other vehicle in which hit my dad had been a bigger car allowing the driver on that vehicle to be minorly injured. The impact of the accident extended farther from my dads injuries; it included the traumatic scene that brought my family into tears. The emotional and psychological distress it caused was left as a reminder to always be aware. The moment you are on the road you always have to check your surroundings, this accident shows how one moment of distracted driving can impact multiple lives. When drivers neglect their responsibility on the road with proper care and responsibility it causes countless lives at risk. To avoid the consequences drivers must prioritize safety and education while on the road.

The most common cause of accidents is like the one my father experienced, distracted driving often sourced with texting. It’s imperative that drivers know the consequences of driving while texting, calling, or anything causing a distraction behind the wheel. Education and awareness campaigns always show that nothing should be distracting you from driving and no text message is worth a life. Education plays a crucial role when driving. Courses talking about the consequences of unsafe driving and including consequences about unsafe behaviors that impact families should be taught before getting your license. Additionally, training that allows drivers to practice staying safe and alert will lower the potential of fatal car accidents.

As a driver myself it’s beyond education to teach us things that should be common sense. It’s essential for drivers to take responsibility for their actions and to commit to these safe driving practices. Staying in check with their driving could reduce the risk for themselves and others on the road. But, while I am always taking precautions while driving I cannot say I am perfect. I had my fair share of minor incidents that could be potentially hazardous. I drive myself to school early in the morning everyday, and since it’s early I tend to doze off. Dozing off is a hazard that no driver should be committing themselves to. But, if I notice I doze off I put music on. I always bring an energy drink with me to give me the extra power to make sure I am not putting myself or anyone at risk. Also, if I work late at night sometimes I have a hard time paying attention. To combat this I always keep hydrated and put on an upbeat song to keep me going until I reach my destination. I have a father who works as a police officer and he always teaches me new tricks while driving. I always make sure to implement these tricks when driving to continue to be a safe driver.

As much as driving is a privilege it’s always imperative to keep a close eye for others on the road. My fathers experience is a powerful acknowledgment of being a safe and educated driver. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unsafe driving and the need for personal responsibility. By prioritizing safety, education and awareness, we can work together to reduce the number of deaths caused by accidents as well as incidents like my father endured. Remember that driving is a huge responsibility that not only puts you at risk but, as well as others lives at risk.