Driving safe in 2023

Driving education is very important because it teaches students the ability to operate a vehicle safely. There are so many things that can go wrong when operating a vehicle. Factors like weather, cell phones, people driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs, being to tired, sudden health issue, distracted driving, and mechanical issues can cause major accidents or even death. Being educated can ensure that the driver is aware of all the possibilities and can help ensure that they stay safe and help keep the public safe. Driving has changed so much over the last few decades, especially due to the growing population.

The step’s we can do to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to always be aware of our surroundings. Always look in both the rear view mirrow and the side view mirrors. It also help to look over your shoulder to make sure there is nobody in your blind spot. Be well rested, and not under the influence of any kind of medication, drugs or alcohol. It also helps to check the weather report if you are traveling any kind of a distance.

One of the biggest reasons for car accidents involves the cell phone. Statistics show that texting while driving is 6 times as deadly than driving while intoxicated. 25% of car accidents are the result of cell phone usage. 11 teenagers die from texting and driving everyday. While 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, only 35% of those polled admitted to texting and driving. Whereas older driver up to 75 are only slightly riskier. Health can also be a determining factor. Someone who is physically healthy but has mental issues may not be able to be a safe driver because they’re reaction time may not be a fast. All drivers face risks, but the factor that contributes most to crashes and deaths appears to be inexperience. Those who have just gotten their license are more likely to be in a car accident.

I myself was recently in a car accident on 10/10/23. I was at a red light when someone ran into me from behind. It was an older couple and even though they tried to stop, they were going to fast to be able to come to a safe stop. I live in a small town and a lot of people don’t think about car accidents in small towns. But it happens more that people realize. I was raised in a very large city and saw so many horrible car accidents. From wrong way drivers, to weather, to teenagers being careless. My brother was also in a near fatal car accident about 15 years ago. He was in a head on collision and was pronounced dead on the scene. One of the passer buyers was a paramedic and stopped to help. He’s the one who saved his life. My brother was in very critical condition for a couple of months and had to learn how to walk again. I’ve also seen my friends have a movie playing and watching a movie or music videos while driving. It’s terrifying to see some of the things that people do while operating a vehicle.

There are also some accidents that happen that no matter how good of a driver the person is, the accident cannot be avoided. For example, if an animal or a person runs in the middle of the road and gets hit. A sudden natural disaster could also be a reason for an accident. Also if a person has a sudden heart attack or goes into cardiac arrest.

The steps we can take to become a safe driver and help others become safe drivers is to think safety first. Make sure all passengers have their seatbelts fastened. According to statistics among drivers and front seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone approaching your vehicle, lock your doors, honk your horn and if your able to do so safely, drive away. Do not depend on other drivers. Your responsible for your own safety. Follow the 3-to-4 second rule which states to stay 3-4 seconds behind the car in front of you. Speeding is an essential part of being a safe driver. It only saves about 26 seconds per day. Practicing for hazardous situations can also help make you a safer driver. In conclusion, any person can become a safer driver and the more education you have the better driver you will become.