The Urgency of Driving Safely

The thrill of driving, we can say the thrills of driving are hearing the engine rev up as we give it gas, the freedom that comes with the newly acquainted transportation, and many others. What many lack, is the knowledge of the responsibility that comes with driving a vehicle. It may have many thrills, but it can also take many thrills away if no one person understands the significance it means to “drive”. 

Sadly, we may know someone that has been injured severely or killed by the actions of others on the roadways. One way that we as people are able to prevent future fatalities is by educating ourselves and others about the seriousness of driving. In the studies of the company, “the drivers who had taken a driver’s ed course were involved in fewer crashes” showing us that as the more knowledge about the roadways, the less likely we are to get into a crash, saving us the bad possibilities that can occur in a crash. How can we obtain this knowledge? There are many ways in how we can obtain road safety. There are videos on youtube about road safety on drivers ed, you can enroll into an in-person drivers ed course, or you could take the practice tests online from the DMV’s website. There are many ways to grow our knowledge. The changing of road laws and the adding of more laws, it is a necessity to have an updated knowledge to ensure our safety. 

With the statement above, this shows that there may have to be steps in order to be a safer driver. What are the steps that we as individuals can take to make the roads safer? Being focused is a simple yet big aspect into driving safely. I know that we can be distracted by many things, one big distraction can be our phones. To make the road ways a lot safer, I and those reading this can make a vow that the car is a no phone zone, that it can wait. Another big way in spreading road safety, is leading by example 

Leading by example has been in use for as long as the world has been around, but how does this come to driving? When we are driving or leading a group, when it comes to motorcycles, we can show the example on how to be focused on the road, aware of the road and posted signs, and to take driving seriously. As they see that you are caring for their safety, they will as well care for yours. This also goes along when we are not the driver or the leader of the group. I have gotten many rides, and I know many others have gotten rides, from friends or other family members where we are in the passenger seat. When we are in the passenger seat, we need to not only become a passenger in the car, but a copilot. Like unto a copilot in planes, we need to be cognizant, knowing what the other cars are doing around us, knowing the speed limit, and helping the driver focus on the road. This will not only add another driver to the car, but also eliminate the possibilities to make little mistakes that turn into tickets or crashes, making the roads safer for you and others. You can join me in committing myself to become a better copilot. Not only for my safety but for the safety of many others. You can commit as well as I can to speak up. Speak up on irrational driving while in a car with others, this can be many aspects, speeding, not paying attention, and many other forms. 

Leading by example goes a long way. Not only are there cars, semis, buses, and many other vehicles, one of the vehicles most dangerous is the motorcycle.  A great way to lead by example, is always riding with a helmet, always riding with proper gear, and always being cautious when it comes to the roadways. A great way to learn safety is to take the motorcycle drivers ed class. This is where we are able to learn the safety hands on just like that of the car drivers ed. Another great way is to go on youtube and learn the hand signals that there are within driving a motorcycle. This is very important when driving within a group of bikers, to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Teaching friends and others before they get started on their motorcycle journey the hand signals and the need of driving safely with proper gear and all, may and can save a life and lives in the future.  

The thrill of driving is a sensation like no other. Hearing the engine roar, being free, is an amazing part of our lives that we get to experience. As everything has its opposites, the thrill can be taken away very easily, due to tiny errors that we may not think will play an effect. The necessity that we need to educate ourselves and others about road, car, and motorcycle safety is inconceivable. As we continue to be better on the roads and speak up when we see wrong, there is not doubt that these roads will be a safer place for all.