“In the Driver’s Seat”

Although I have not been in a car accident, I have been privy to irresponsible driving by family members who were driving under the influence. An accident could have occurred had it not been for my immediate discretion and reprimanding. It is incumbent on the driver to be responsible and know his/her limits as it relates to alcohol, lack of sleep or any circumstance that can hinder one’s driving abilities. The designated driver should never be under the influence as it could result in harm to oneself and other innocent drivers. Furthermore, if the driver’s friends or relatives are aware of possible intoxication, it is by extension their responsibility to ensure that he/ she does not attempt to drive. Physical driving and the education of such are crucial to ensure the safety of the driver and fellow drivers. Theory driving education is the “back-bone” as it creates the foundation for new drivers, highlighting roads signs, traffic lights, and the dos and don’ts of driving. For example, it is only through the written exam that one will know how to maneuver when an emergency vehicle has on sirens or lights. Likewise, practical driving education is equally as important as it allows for upcoming drivers to have first-hand experience with other drivers on the road and possibly encounter signs or roadworks to put theory into practice. Driving education can minimize the number of deaths as it provides the all-rounded knowledge for drivers to practice safe driving, to utilize discernment as it relates to decision making while driving and enables drivers to pay close attention to their surroundings. Many driving related deaths stem predominantly from 1) drug intoxication, mainly alcohol, 2) falling asleep and 3) texting while driving, 4) breaking traffic lights or road signs, 6) speeding and 7) unexpected car issues. Designated drivers should desist from driving under the influence. However, if the designated driver has had “one too many drinks” he/she should ask a sober friend/relative to drive their vehicle home or acquire another mode of transportation to their destination. Drivers who are sleep deprived should also refrain from driving and consider options such as acquiring significant rest prior to driving, stopping to rest intermittently if he/she is required drive for several hours at a time, utilizing public transportation, or asking a relative/friend to accompany him/her to the destination and swap drivers halfway through the drive. Drivers that are required to use their cellphones while driving should use car Bluetooth for phone calls or pull aside to the nearest stop if a text needs to be sent urgently. In addition, a driver should never have his cellphone in his hand. It should be attached to the dashboard mounts close to windshield, without obscuring the driver’s view, but close enough so his/her eyes are not completely off the road. It is important for drivers to not drive faster when a traffic light is on yellow or about to turn red. Likewise, stop signs, merging lanes and zebra crossings tend to be the most frequently ignored and precaution should be exercised at all the above. Speed limits were implemented to ensure the safety of drivers and should be always abided by. The driver should exercise discretion as to when he/she is required to slow down, such as during snow, rain or merging onto highways. While car trouble such as a blown-out tire can be unexpected, it is important as a driver and/or owner of a vehicle to ensure that regular servicing and inspection is being done on the vehicle, to minimize the chances of car trouble that can not only affect the driver’s safety but also the lives of other drivers if the car runs off the road. Being a driver of ten years has taught me that I need to drive for oneself and for others. As with most experienced drivers, driving tends to become second nature and the caution taken at the beginning of one’s driving journey usually lessens as one becomes more comfortable with the skill of driving. However, there is always room for improvement and necessary steps that can be taken to be a better driver, such as utilizing Bluetooth as opposed to cellphone loudspeakers when I am required to make or answer a phone call, volunteering to be the designated driver when I am out with friends and to be more alert on the road by paying closer attention to road signs. I can help others become better drivers by highlighting and re-establishing the importance of adhering to driving education, by employing proper decision-making skills if I observe a friend/family member is intoxicated or too tired to drive, and to point out driving mistakes and ways to improve such if I am the passenger in a relative/friend’s vehicle.