The Driver is Always Responsible

If I am being honest, this essay is directed at me in the most shameful, ironic way. I am only 22 years old and I have had four or five speeding tickets before I turned 21. With many speeding tickets accumulating over the years I have found myself telling myself over and over, “just slow down.” I just paid my last $250 citation ticket out of pocket and I did not have any money already as a college student. As simple as it was ‘just to slow down’ the feeling of going fast was fun and exciting. As an eighteen, nineteen year old as you know getting A to B as quick as possible is the only way. Each of my tickets were around $250, there is a point in time where enough is enough. To all the young drivers, learn from my mistake and save yourself $200 every time you drive. Or even most of all someone’s life.

The importance of driver education is crucial in everybody’s daily life. According to a law firm, there are around 19,000 crashes every day, 118 deaths caused by an auto accident, 14 wrecks every minute and 2 auto crashes every 10 seconds (if you have read up to this point there were approximately 8 auto crashes in the U.S) it puts into perspective on how frequent it happens. In the U.S. “91.7%,” of Amercins own a car. Out of the 97% there are “239.2 million,” people who drive. It goes to show just how much people are out in the U.S driving daily. There are many ways of improving one’s driving education. Improved knowledge and skills of knowing traffic laws and road signs are the basics, but more critical. Awareness of risks that potentially set you up to stay out of harm’s way as well as combating people’s dangerous driving. Always having confidence when driving. If you ever feel tired or unsure about a particular situation it is always best to take them slow with the right amount of caution.

Which leads me to the next points on steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. I have already stated some examples that someone can do in the paragraph above like being more aware and learning the basics. But what are some other ways that can be done? Enhancing driver education and training that emphasizes defensive driving to the dangers of distraction and impaired driving. It could also be a refresher to those who took their drivers test years ago. Another would be increasing law enforcement of traffic laws, including speed limits, seat belt use, and DUI laws. Possibly conduct regular sobriety checkpoints to reduce driving incidents. Additionally, improving road infrastructure to maintain safer roads with clear signage, proper lighting, and well marked lanes. One other improvement which would greatly improve traffic is calming measures such as speed dumps, roundabouts, and more visual crosswalks in high risk areas. Lastly, implement stricter penalties for traffic violations, particularly those who are repeatedly breaking the law.

I think we have all seen someone who is close to us drive irresponsible. That being getting to a location faster, not using a turn signal, maybe occasionally running a yellow light at the last second. No one is perfect and it is human nature to make a mistake. But be sure that they know what they are doing as well as the potential consequences. It is best to never do it again let alone be careless to find out the hard way what one’s action can lead toward.

There are many things I do not know about in the world. So it is my responsibility to educate myself with what I do not know. I feel as if this is the same with driving. I could reeducate myself with the driver’s manual. Watch youtube videos for helpful driving tips. I especially learned that no matter how fast you are driving you will eventually get to your location. If I were to help others it would be to show their mistake by telling them that this could potentially hurt someone or yourself. More than likely they probably don’t know that they did something wrong. It is always in your best interest to say something. I hope it was evident to educate yourself as young drivers to be safe with as many drivers there are in the world. With every 10 seconds there is a car crash.