Driver Safety

Driver education is important in reducing the number of driving-related deaths because it teaches about safety and consequences. It addresses the importance of wearing a seatbelt the importance of which will be discussed further in this essay. It shows videos of what can happen if safety protocols aren’t followed. It addresses driving under the influence, whether it is alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescriptions. Driver education also discusses drowsy driving which could happen because of lack of sleep or the result of medication. In driver education, I also learned the importance of driving defensively and attentively (avoiding distracted driving).

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, both drivers and passengers can plan ahead. If they know they’ll be at an event with alcohol, they can plan a designated driver. They can download a ride share app and add a payment method for emergencies. If they expect to be out late, they can take a nap before going out so that they aren’t tired when driving. Prior to ride shares, my parents offered to pick up my cousin and his attendants from my cousin’s bachelor party. My parents have been great role models to me regarding driving safety. When they go out, they decide which one will drive and which one will drink. Sometimes neither of them drive so that they can drive other people’s cars to get others home safely. If there is only one person who can safely drive, then they leave a car behind and drive extra people home. The car can always be picked up another day which is a far better alternative to identifying a friend or family member at a morgue. My parents told me that, if I’m ever stuck, day or night, call them. If I don’t have the funds for a ride share and I don’t have a safe way home, they will get me home safely without any reprimand. Their happiness at my responsibility and safety will far outweigh any inconvenience caused to them.

Drivers can assist in safety by turning over their keys even when they feel that they are able to drive. They can learn to drive defensively. If there’s an aggressive driver or somebody who appears to be driving under the influence nearby, the defensive driver can pull aside and let the other driver by to avoid an accident. After stopping in a safe area, they can call the police to report the other driver. Cell phones are also a safety concern. While it allows a driver to call for help when needed, it also can prevent a driver from looking at the road. It is a good idea to turn on an auto-reply message that states something similar to, “I am driving with Do Not Disturb turned on. I will respond when I reach my destination.” Then, if the driver places the phone in the glove box, it won’t be tempting to look at it. Following the speed limit is also a good safety measure. The faster a person is driving, the more impact there will be if there is an accident.

Passengers can assist by taking the driver’s keys if the passenger is the designated driver. If neither the driver or the passenger is drinking but the driver is tired, the passenger can relieve the driver to allow the driver to rest. If there’s another car on the road that is swerving or driving in a concerning manner, the passenger can call the police to report that car. The passenger can hold the driver’s phone and read and respond to texts on the driver’s behalf. Just encouraging safety precautions is enough to help a driver to make better decisions.

I would now like to share a story about seat belt safety which is the safety feature I previously listed that I have not yet mentioned. A high school senior at my school, somebody I knew from classes that we took together, died earlier this year in a car accident. He was just 2 miles from my house when he was in a car accident and his car hit a telephone pole. The police department stated that the fact that he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt was the reason for the extensive injuries. So many people have mourned, and are still mourning, this teenager and it could have been prevented just by simply buckling up.

Steps I can personally take to become a safer driver as well as helping others become safer on the road are to follow the speed limit, avoid driving under the influence, drive attentively and defensively, avoid driving while tired, and, of course, always wear my seatbelt. By informing students of these precautions, solutions, and consequences, driver education is a great asset in preventing driving-related deaths.