Driving safe is cool too plus it’s saves lives

This past summer, I passed my driver’s permit test and immediately embarked on driving lessons with my dad. One of the first things my dad repeatedly emphasized was the importance of driver education, specifically traffic laws, driver behavior, common risks, and lastly never to drive under the influence. 

To better respond and hopefully be awarded this scholarship I started with some research and was shocked to find out that in 2021, there were an estimated 6,102,936 police-reported vehicle accidents in the United States. Of those, 39,508 were fatal and an average of 34,000 people died each year. That makes the effective deadly car crash death rate almost 1%. As a result, driver education is the first step that all new drivers should do by default in order to reduce the number of driving deaths. First and foremost, my dad suggested I study the New York State Driver’s Manual so I could both pass the permit test but more importantly understand and follow the traffic laws. He stressed traffic regulations are fundamental for safe driving and that my job was to adhere to these rules, to reduce the possibility of an accident. Next, we discussed my attitude and responsibility when driving. Like in life, treat and respect others on the road the way we would want to be treated, which establishes a positive driving environment and minimizes aggression and road rage. Responsible behavior leads to a decrease in incidences of impaired driving accidents as well. Even at my age as a high school senior, I’ve witnessed driving rage – when people have felt disrespected, leading to increased aggressive driving and the potential for fatal accidents. During my driving lessons we often discuss the common risks and possible dangers which we have no control over, however through education we can be more perceptive and inclined to handle many of these situations. Lastly, but certainly not least I was admonished to never drive under the influence of alcohol which is pretty easy since I’m not old enough to drink, plus it tastes disgusting. However, it seems obvious that responsible behavior leads to reduced incidence of impaired driving accidents and overall driver education is conducive in creating informed, responsible, and skilled drivers, leading to safer roads and significant reduction in car accidents.

Outside of driver education there are a few key steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, such as safety technologies and mandatory seatbelt use. Technological innovation in the last 70 years has given us the ability to live better within society and brought advanced safety in vehicles, such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and even automated emergency braking. The combination of all of these safety features and future technologies should be standard in all vehicles so we can significantly reduce fatalities related to driving. Additionally, seat belt usage should be strictly enforced, and drivers prevented from operating vehicles when not engaged. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in accidents. By combining these strategies and increased law enforcement, it is possible to make significant strides in reducing fatal driving accidents.

Last year as I drove with my older sister to run a few errands for my mom, we were laughing and talking a little too much. My sister was not completely focused on the road, and we got into a fender bender with the car in front of us. We were both really scared at the damage to our mom’s car. Our mom was less than pleased with us because she had to take the car to a body shop to be fixed. One of the ways I could assist to avoid this happening again is to not distract a driver’s attention because they need to pay attention to the road at all times. I can also remind my sister to focus on the road if I see her attention is diverted in any way. 

Also, three years ago, my aunt got into a bad accident on the highway. The entire front of the car was smashed in, it was totaled. My aunt was sending a text message which caused the accident. Thankfully no one was severely hurt but it could have been worse. There’s no excuse for looking at your cell phone and it’s very dangerous if you do. There is a lot of helpful technology embedded in your cell phone and in your car that can be utilized to stay connected without picking up your cell phone. I helped my aunt set up her car play and placed her cell phone on do not disturb which automatically turns on while she is driving. I will also use these tools while I’m driving as well as encourage all of my friends to do the same. 

From my research the safest drivers are between 60 and 69 and are safer than any other group. Overall, people become safer drivers as they grow older, becoming safer as they enter their 60s. Therefore, it is imperative driver education, safety technologies and seat belt usage are all implemented for the earlier groups. Notwithstanding all previous measures, I can also take another step to be a safer driver by taking a driver training course or class. Targeted training for young and inexperienced drivers like me can help me better anticipate and respond to potential hazards, prevent accidents and minimize their severity. Driver training can emphasize the specific challenges new drivers may face and promote responsible behavior.