Safety Driving

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic accidents and crashes. As a primary tool for teaching individuals how to drive safely and responsibly, driver education equips drivers with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to navigate roadways in a way that minimizes risk and prevents accidents. Its importance in saving lives and reducing road deaths cannot be overstated, especially in a world where motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young drivers.

Comprehensive driver education programs should be made mandatory for all new drivers out on the road. These programs should not only cover the basics of operating a vehicle but also emphasize defensive driving, hazard recognition, consequences of dangerous driving, and strategies for avoiding distractions. Given those young drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes and accidents, educational programs will be the best way to educate. These programs should educate young drivers about the dangers of speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving from texting and driving, distraction by talking, eating, drinking, and the importance of seat belts.

In my personal experience, I had the biggest car crash incident of my life during my senior year of high school in the year 2015. It has permanently affected my life forever. To summarize the car crash, it started with my cousin who was driving in the driver’s seat and me sitting in the passenger seat on our way home around the evening to nighttime. We were on the way home from grabbing some pizza for the little ones at home. The road’s speed limit was 40. We were driving the speed limit when the oncoming traffic turned into us at an intersection where the oncoming traffic car had a left turning yield light. They did not yield and drive right into us at a T-bone direction. Our car turned a full 360 degrees and was completely totaled. When the impact took place, I lost consciousness and woke to my cousin yelling at me to take off my seatbelt and get out of the car. Evening writing this brings me to tears. Everything I heard was muffled, my face was numb from the airbag blowing up in my face, I took off my seatbelt and crawled to the sidewalk. Once I got sat down on that sidewalk, I screamed like hell was released. I screamed until my head was going to pop off until my cousin ran towards me and held me while calling our relatives. I screamed because the pain hit me all at once. There were cuts on my collarbone and face, bone bruises on the entirety of both my legs, a sprained wrist, and three fractures on my right foot. My mom got to us afterwards when I was put on a gurney into the ambulance, and I cried the second I saw her face. Nine years later now, I have chronic arthritis in my right foot and have had PTSD ever since. I took me 6 months until I was able to drive again. I went years with doctor appointments and meetings with my lawyer. I came to find out that the driver was underage and texting when she had hit us. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the dangers of distracted driving but also reinforced the importance of making every effort to educate others on the risks involved.

To become a better and safer driver, I believe it’s important to develop responsible driving habits, stay focused, and actively encourage others to do the same. First and foremost, I prioritize defensive driving by staying aware of my surroundings, keeping a good and safe distance from other vehicles, and adjusting my speed according to road conditions. I also make a conscious effort to avoid distractions because even a few seconds of distraction can lead to serious consequences. I always wear my seatbelt and ensure that my passengers do the same, as I know that this simple act can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. When driving in dangerous weather, I reduce my speed and maintain extra distance from other vehicles. I lead by example, showing friends and family the importance of seatbelt use, sober driving, and staying focused on the road. By practicing safe driving habits and encouraging others to do the same, I believe we can collectively reduce road accidents and save lives.