The Act of Driving

Driving was always an act that gave me anxiety. I thought when I reached the age of fifteen when my parents would finally allow me to take driving lessons, I would be okay. Unfortunately, my first experience with driving did not go as planned. I was extremely nervous, my anxiety manifested in physical symptoms such as trembling and shortness of breath, which affected how I drove. I would jerk the steering wheel, brake too quickly, and in a nervous state I must’ve missed some road signs. Overall, it wasn’t going well, and I took my failure hard. I was truly depressed about it and failed to realize that driving was a skill I would have to take time to learn. I wouldn’t be perfect, but I had to be cautious. After having this revelation, I took more driving lessons later in the year, and I definitely improved. I now can say I’m a safe and efficient driver, and I will continue to drive safely to keep my community protected from danger.

I took many steps to become a safe and better driver on the road. I would regularly review traffic laws, and stay updated on regulations. I would also inspect the vehicle to ensure it was in optimal working condition, including brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels. I always minimized my distractions, it took months until I started listening to music on the radio. I also practiced anticipating potential hazards on the road, maintaining a safe following distance, and being prepared to react to unexpected situations. To help others also be safe on the road, I try to report unsafe behavior to traffic safety agencies. I demonstrate safe driving behaviors to my family and friends, and I try to encourage them to practice the behaviors. Driving is an act that is done by people around the world every day. As drivers, we control the car, and we have to decide to be safe.

Thankfully, I have not been in a car accident. A few of my family members have been in small accidents, but none of them left physical damage. My aunt likes to speed, which can result in her having too slow reaction time when she has to brake. That was how she was involved in a car accident. She was okay, but her car wasn’t. She didn’t have stable insurance either, so she spent plenty of her time working to fix the damage. Even if a person is physically okay, a car accident can give them other consequences. Despite that, my other family members are actually pretty good drivers. When times were tough with my own driving experience, they’re the ones who helped me pay for great instructors and ensured me that there’s no deadline for when I have to know how to drive, my goal is to just learn how to drive safely. Sometimes on the road, I can become slightly nervous, but I know the traffic rules, I know where my destination is, so I know I can be safe.

Even though there are many safe drivers, the global rate of deaths related to driving, often referred to as the road traffic mortality rate, keeps on increasing. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents worldwide. That is an extremely high number, and it could all be avoided if we took more time to learn how to drive cautiously. In communities, people can launch educational campaigns to increase awareness about safe driving practices, the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and the importance of wearing seat belts. People can also Improve road infrastructure by implementing measures such as installing rumble strips, improving road signage and lighting, and designing safer intersections and roadways to reduce the likelihood of accidents. It would also be helpful if traffic safety agencies enhanced data collection and analysis efforts to identify trends, hotspots, and high-risk behaviors related to traffic accidents. They could use this information to develop targeted interventions and prioritize resources effectively. It would also be beneficial to Enhance driver education programs to include comprehensive training on defensive driving techniques, hazard recognition, and the consequences of risky behaviors. The programs can then provide ongoing training for licensed drivers to refresh their knowledge and skills. All of these strategies could only lead to fewer deaths by driving and a safer world.

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving by providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to operate vehicles safely. A new learner should enroll in an actual driving program, rather than relying on a family member or friend who can accidentally teach them unfavorable habits. Driver education programs teach individuals about the importance of obeying traffic laws, following speed limits, wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions while driving, and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, driver education can teach defensive driving skills such as maintaining a safe following distance, scanning for potential dangers, and being prepared to react to unexpected situations. Driver education equips individuals to avoid collisions and minimize the severity of accidents. Referring back to not using family or friends to teach someone how to drive, driver education typically includes practical driving lessons supervised by qualified instructors, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience behind the wheel in a controlled environment. These practical lessons provide opportunities for learners to practice driving skills, receive feedback on their performance, and gradually build confidence and competence as drivers. These benefits that come directly from driver education can lead to new safe drivers in your community.

The importance of safe driving cannot be overstated. Beyond being a legal obligation and a fundamental aspect of responsible citizenship, safe driving is paramount for preserving human lives and safeguarding communities. Promoting a culture of safe driving through education, awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures is essential for cultivating a collective commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that everyone can travel safely to their destinations. Together, we can strive towards a future where every journey is characterized by safety, respect, and well-being for all road users.