Habitual Safety in Driving

Coming from someone living in the country’s second-worst driving city, I’ve learned to value safety while driving. The safety of myself and other drivers tends to become a priority when fatal car accidents occur at a rate of 24.18 to 100,000 per resident, according to studies, which is the highest rate reported in America. I have come to understand my mother’s hesitancy to let me drive freely, as any simple trip to the store can quickly become a tragic rush to the hospital. I experienced that firsthand this year when I received a phone call informing me my father had been involved in an accident. While I was blessed to know he wasn’t severely injured, I understood my mother’s sentiments on maintaining my attention while in the car, even if I was not driving.

Most car accidents in America stem from distracted driving. A glance at a notification can escalate to multitasking, guiding a two-ton battering ram down a highway while scrolling through Instagram. The second your eyes leave the road, the second your SUV becomes a death machine. I had the pleasantry to experience this firsthand during a defensive driving course my mom had signed me up for. Despite my initial reluctance to attend the course, I got to understand how difficult it is to maintain control without my complete focus on the car and the road. With that knowledge in mind, I have developed a series of strategies to maximize the safety of the driver and everyone else on the road.

Many believe that in order to combat the temptation of using a cell phone while operating a vehicle, you must simply power off your device. It is a straightforward method that reduces any potential threats that using a phone can bring while driving. However, many young drivers argue that they cannot turn off their phones as many rely on them for GPS services or their parents tracking them through them. There have been several developments to remedy this issue, such as the do not disturb feature on the iPhone that is activated while in motion. Some apps have been created that inform messengers that the person they are trying to reach is driving. My older sister utilizes this feature, allowing her to effectively maintain her attention while communicating why she may not respond to others.

If a driver has an available passenger along with them, they can also use them to read and send out messages so that they are focused on the road. I personally have had to send texts for my drivers in several instances which has allowed the driver to remain attentive. I believe any passenger can also be responsible for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. Although the idea of a “backseat driver” may lead to some conflict between driver and passenger, expressing the importance of attention to the person operating the vehicle can help ensure everyone remains safe and alert on the road. Even if that means putting yourself first, passengers are entitled to ensure their safety and hold drivers accountable on the road. Simple solutions such as these have allowed for the safety of drivers and everyone else around.

With the increase in accidents involving distracted drivers, more laws have been enacted to help prevent these issues. If anyone may struggle with using their phone while driving, more officers have paid more attention to drivers in certain areas of my city. Once, I was in a vehicle with someone holding their phone when we were pulled over. At that moment, the officer explained that a new law had been put into place preventing drivers from holding their phones while operating a vehicle. This action has allowed the safety of drivers within my city, and I believe, if implemented in several locations, it could help reduce the rate of fatal accidents in America.

I firmly believe the strategies I have come to learn have been based on the knowledge I retained from the driving courses I attended. That said, I think driving education courses should be required if not heavily geared towards students. Interactive learning courses benefit young drivers by allowing them to learn firsthand the importance of driving safely. Defensive and smart driving is a skill that can best be taught before a new driver enters the streets. If teens do not have the resources to learn it on their own, driver education classes can be their way of learning

In defensive driving, we are often told to utilize all of our senses to ensure our safety. However, we often lose track of our most essential senses when operating devices such as cell phones. With this in mind, I feel that every party is responsible for themselves and their safety—the law, any passengers, and especially the one behind the wheel.