The Importance of Defensive Driving

In the words of Mac Mcleary, “Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.” Is this not what goes through our minds every day? This way of thinking puts the people around us in danger- but we can stop it today. Getting behind the wheel every day is a choice that can alter your life forever- for better or for worse. Whether driving to work, school, or fun, one is constantly met with the threat of careless drivers. These citizens who put the lives of others, as well as their own, in danger, are a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

According to World Population Review, there have been 828 deaths related to driving in the state of Louisiana so far this year. Drivers’ Education is a mandatory class taken by every new and old driver to be legally allowed on the road, and it teaches life-saving skills; even with the information given in this class, careless drivers continue to threaten the people around them. Driver education is vital because it teaches students the importance of defensive driving- a skill that can combat negligent drivers everywhere. With the knowledge of defensive driving hammered into one’s brain, a person is able to make quick and safe judgments on the road; this, in turn, reduces fatalities and accidents. Being equipped with the knowledge that is taught in driver education classes is extremely important for the coming generations, and with the help of defensive driving, the number of deaths can decrease exponentially.

To continue, steps can be taken to ensure defensive driving is practiced all over the world. For starters, instructors can direct their students in real-life situations when they begin practicing on the streets. With the help of professionals, young drivers can learn how to battle careless vehicles on the road in the attentive presence of their instructor. Another way deaths can be reduced is by stating the facts and statistics during classes; although it may be intimidating for new drivers to hear the worst-case scenarios, it is of the utmost importance that they comprehend the dangers that run rampant across the highways. By understanding the risks, these drivers will learn to be cautious and use their heads when they get behind the wheel.

I have personally been in three different car accidents. Although some were worse than others, they were all equally frightening. A trip to get fast food with a parent can turn into a nightmare when a car comes flying by and rams head-on into the side of your vehicle- the moment of impact forever ingrained into your mind. When airbags are set off and tears begin their way down your cheeks, it will be a moment one never forgets. Similarly, I have also witnessed careless driving: texting while behind the wheel. Having your phone on your person while driving is a distraction; it is a one-way ticket to not paying attention to other vehicles around you. Swerving down the road and potentially threatening others, all while one texts a friend back, is not something to make a habit of.

To become a safer driver, not only for my own life but for everyone around me, I will take several steps. First, I will remember what I was taught in driver’s education; my phone will be put away and out of sight, I will be on defense, and I will urge my friends and family to be more careful as well. Just one person can help save a life by spreading awareness of what can go wrong on the road. A helpful tip can go a long way, even if it is just a reminder. I urge the younger generation to not be afraid and ask their parents to put a phone away or pay more attention while driving. If the world started right now, if people started to drive defensively, we could beat the statistics and greatly reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Parents have lost children, grandparents have lost grandchildren, and young ones have lost their siblings due to reckless driving. If people were to take a step back and think of the importance of saving these innocent lives, the driving world could change for the better. The phone calls can wait until you arrive at your destination- would you rather kill someone or have them angry at you for not answering the phone? Defensive driving can save lives, and the end result will be safer roads, fewer deaths, and happier families.