The Key To Safe Driving

Due to the mass production and the affordability of motor vehicles in the market, vehicles are the most popular and daily form of transportation for getting from point A to point B. The rise in this form of transportation has been more of a recent trend within the past 70 years.

Originally starting from the motor wagons produced in 1866, the industry boomed, and brought along numerous car makes and types that currently keep us shopping for the just right fit in this century. The use of cars now is as common as the use of computers and cell phones.

Consequently, there is a rise in daily accidents that lead to death or severe injuries. This is often the effect of illegal actions such as driving without a license, texting and driving, and driving under the influence. All of these actions are equally as bad as the next, as the outcomes of them can all be the same. The best way to prevent these situations from happening is by educating pre-drivers when they are young, so that when they acquire their license they are more aware of the rules and regulations that are provided to keep them safe. Just like in any circumstance having prior knowledge about a topic will help you choose the right thing to do.

For example, during drivers education classes students are educated on how to deal with different road conditions. Those that do not pay attention or never take the class will be much more likely to get in an accident during the winter, because they will not know how to deal with their car skidding in the snow or ice.

On top of education, keeping a driver safe by being aware of their surroundings is much more important. Within a split second of having your eyes off the road, the whole outside environment has changed. Having the focus to drive with no distractions is the number one safety concern while driving. Although this seems like an easy task, over 30% of people in the US openly admit to texting while driving. Not only is this a safety concern for the driver, but also to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians.. Distracted driving is the number 1 cause of car accidents each year, and it has been increasingly worse as the generations that are technology savvy are starting to get behind the wheel.

The number 2 cause of car accidents each year is driving under the influence. When a person is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs it is hard enough for them to do simple tasks such as walking and talking, which puts into perspective how dangerous it is to operate a motor vehicle in this state. The best way to prevent these circumstances from happening is to demonstrate and instruct new drivers and current drivers. It is important for younger and upcoming generations to not only learn about driving and how to stay safe, but also to have the parents demonstrate these good actions so that the kids follow in their footsteps and habits. Having bad influences at an early age can cause children to perceive these hazardous actions as normal, safe actions.

Personally, I have never been involved in any type of car accident, but I am also surrounded by many cautious people. Having the sense of security that my friends and family wait a few minutes before checking a text or waiting to drink when driving is not taking place, makes me feel really delighted. On the flip side one of my old friends got in a car accident within 1 week of getting her license. This did not come as a shock to me as she displays herself as a very apathetic person and always had her eyes glued to her phone. During the winter of 2021 she ended up in a ditch off an off ramp, due to texting and driving. She was fortunate enough to walk away with only a concussion, while her car on the other hand was totaled. Hearing about her accident sent shivers up my spine, knowing that something as small as a text message could end someone’s life within seconds.

I think that the best way to prevent future accidents is to not only test and educate new drivers, but to also retest older drivers. Although older drivers have more experience they don’t always know certain things because of new signs, new car features and new types of intersections that they did not learn about when they started driving.. Having the ability to inform drivers of any age of hazards and new innovations on the road, will not only improve efficiency of transportation but also make the environment much more safe for travelers.