Losing control when in full control

Driving is more than just a simple action we are allowed once we reach a certain age. It is not a right we are given but a privilege we have once we’ve shown our knowledge on the rules of the road and are able to pass a physical driving test. The importance of driver education is to teach all future drivers what specific rules we are obligated to follow and gain knowledge on the different signs we see and have to comply to on the road. Driver education helps reduce the numbers of death caused by driving in multiple ways, this education allows drivers be aware of distractions and follow laws that will keep us and others on the road safe. One of the biggest examples of safety when it compares to driver education is what the different light signals mean. When the light turns yellow, it informs us to slow down and get ready to STOP. If we are not educated on this drivers may not think they need to slow down, they may interpret a yellow light as speeding up to get through the light before it changes to red. This action can simply result in an increase in unsafe driving and accidents due to running through a potential red light.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is being educated and following the most important laws and easy distractions. The first step that should always be taken when reducing the number of deaths related to driving is using a seatbelt. It is extremely important for individuals to use their seatbelt when driving and correctly have the belt in order to ensure your personal safety when driving. Eliminating distractions will be a big step in reducing the number of deaths related to driving. Some distractions that can present themselves while driving include individuals whom are on their phone, individuals whom may be using their hands for others things such as eating or doing makeup. Even if you are stopped at a light and think they you may have the opportunity to complete a task or quickly check your phone, it only takes a split second for a distraction to cause an accident and in severe cases a death. Keeping your eyes on the road and paying attention to your surroundings are going to ensure less distractions and increase the safety of drivers.

As a senior in high school I experienced my first major car accident. It was a cold and rainy December evening. I was driving down the highway by myself heading back home when I unexpectedly hit a patch of black ice, I lost control and my car veered towards the right, as I tried to correct my steering wheel my car did a complete 180 and the back of my 2007 Jeep Liberty smashed into the median. I was terrified and in shock and thankfully a state trooper was not far behind me who stopped to help me. It was ruled that I had been driving to fast for conditions and my car was later totaled. I was fortunate enough to have been safe and unharmed from the accident but emotionally it scared me, and I had never quite experienced such a scary real life situation in which I could have really been hurt. No one else was harmed or involved in the accident thankfully, but I learned a lot about how important it was for me to be fully knowledgeable in drivers’ education. Knowing how to be more cautious in different driving conditions was something I had not truly considered but remember covering in drivers’ education, along with what to do and how to act in a situation like this.

Steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver is to always wear my seatbelt, never reach for or interact with my phone when in the drivers seat and in control of a vehicle and to always be aware of my surroundings. It is often times when we are not paying attention that accidents take place or when there is more than just one distracted driver. The best way I can help others on the road become safer is just by setting an example by doing my part by following laws, paying attention to signs and when emergency personnel may be present. Many times I notice what a rush people tend to be in, driving much faster or swerving around individuals to get to their destination sooner or simply being on their phones while driving. I do my best at setting a positive example not only for my daughter who is often in the car with me but also to try and set an example for others.

It is important that we not only stay educated on driving but continue to strive to be safer individuals when driving. There are many ways we can avoid deaths as a result to driving and the first step is being educated when it comes to being behind the wheel. It starts with you and as an individual given the privilege to drive we must ensure we do our part in being aware and alert at all times when on the road. It is easy to lose control of a situation even when we are in total control of the vehicle we are driving.