Self-Care is the New Safe Driving !

Like psychological disorders, there is nothing more powerful than experience and education. To see a change in people’s behavior when it comes to reducing the number of deaths caused by cars, they must first be informed. An approach to educating people on appropriate driving skills can be at schools, in a school setting where students learn about signal lights or when and how to cross the street. They can also learn to limit distractions while in the car. Frequently, accidents can be due to distractions. Children who might be engaging in a tantrum, kicking the seat behind the driver, or opening their door while the car is in motion can be a fatal distraction. The domino effect is how we predict the consequences of our actions. Further education can be applied in middle and high schools. Students can use a simulator to practice driving while texting, eating, or driving recklessly during this age range.

A few of the top five causes of car accidents are speeding, under the influence, failure to yield, distracted driving, and drowsy driving. Regarding speeding, I think a new program can prevent cars from exceeding the speed limit unless there is an emergency. Or a system that detects cars going over the limit in which the driver obtains a hefty fee as a consequence for driving over the speed limit. A common one I see while driving to and from school is failure to yield appropriately. As a cautious driver, I often look out for pedestrians from my blind spot. Because people are usually in a rush to get to their destinations, they purposely do not turn on their signal lights or take the time to wait for pedestrians to cross the street altogether. Unfortunately, during my undergraduate experience, I was a drowsy driver, resulting in very minor car incidents. Traumatized by my experience, I had nightmares, but it was an event that allowed me to learn the importance of being well-rested before driving. Because of this, I even now take a 30-minute nap before leaving on a 2-hour drive to work or school. I also have water, gum, a fun musical playlist, and even a podcast during my drive. These strategies have allowed me to be a safe driver.

Recently, this year, my sister unfortunately was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The reality is that no matter how much we try our best to practice safe driving skills, there will always be unforeseen circumstances that lead to death. My sister, who went on a simple target run just 10 min away from our home, was turning left and hit a pedestrian. She looked at her blind spot, but it was the pedestrian who had suddenly decided to run along the crosswalk. After having a traumatic event happen to someone so close to me, I make sure that wherever I am walking, I am aware of my surroundings, taking my time. If I am a passenger or behind the wheel, I make slow turns to prevent another fatal accident. Speaking with lawyers and police officers, they reported that situations like these unfortunately occur frequently.

Smartphones filled with social media applications that cause so much distraction can also have an application that prevents the driver from using their smartphone. At any time of the day, you can walk outside and be guaranteed a person, from pedestrians to drivers, is using their phone. Popeyes use GPS to reach their destination, take a selfie during their drive or while in traffic, or find what to listen to on their Spotify. So, I believe a proper place that can lock our phones while driving will be a good strategy for promoting safe driving behavior. To become a safe driver is also to practice self-care as an individual. Self-care can include getting quality sleep every night to prevent drowsiness. As well as, drinking responsibly can translate to not driving intoxicated and having a plan in place when you do decide to drink. Practicing meditation can increase awareness within ourselves and our environment, allowing us to be cautious of other drivers and pedestrians. Practicing proper time management can also enable drivers to reduce their speed and yield properly without worrying they will be late. Not only does self-care allow us to become safe drivers, but it also allows us to be happier. If drivers are in a good mood, there will be less road rage. So what can we do to reduce the number of deaths caused by cars? Self-care.