Careful driver

I can personally attest to the dangers of driving irresponsibly. Five years ago, I was involved in a car accident that could have easily ended tragically. A close friend was driving, and as we approached an intersection, he failed to look properly before crossing the road. The car swerved abruptly, and we crashed, but thankfully, neither of us was seriously injured. This experience was a stark reminder of how easily an accident can happen when someone is not cautious, even in what seems like a minor situation. That day, I understood how a lapse in attention could have cost us both our lives.

Growing up in Haiti, I witnessed firsthand the chaotic and unsafe driving culture that prevails in many parts of the country. In Haiti, drivers often disregard traffic laws, drive without regard for safety, and neglect basic car maintenance, all of which can lead to dangerous conditions on the road. People drive however they want, sometimes without signals, speeding, or weaving through traffic, and car maintenance is not always a priority. This lack of regard for road safety makes accidents more likely and contributes to the high number of traffic-related deaths in such areas. In this environment, it is difficult to feel safe behind the wheel, and the consequences of reckless driving are all too apparent.

When I first started driving at 20 years old, I was terrified. Having grown up in an environment where road safety was not emphasized, I lacked confidence on the road. In Haiti, the lack of traffic regulations left me feeling unsure about driving, especially when I witnessed accidents or saw others driving recklessly. But after moving to the United States, where strict traffic laws are enforced, I gained a sense of security. I quickly learned that safe driving is not just about knowing the rules but also about developing good habits, such as always using a seatbelt, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, and staying alert for any potential hazards.

To be a better and safer driver, I have taken it upon myself to continually educate myself on road safety. I make sure to perform regular maintenance on my car, from checking the brakes to ensuring the tires are properly inflated. I often get comments from the garage place that I take particularly good care of my car. That also helped me when trading my car to the car I now have. I got a lot of money on the car because I was taking diligent care of it.

I also avoid distractions such as using my phone while driving and always stay focused on the road ahead. I just learned that you could get points when you drive safely! When you download the app “Credit Karma,” there is a feature that monitors your driving and reports it to your insurance, like using your phone while driving, sharp turns, speeding, breaking hard, and many more. As of right now, my score is 89. I am working towards a higher score. Moreover, I always make sure that I leave at least 10 minutes in advance so that I do not speed up and cause accidents. Especially in the morning, when everyone is trying to go to work or school, people are crazy out there.

I also encourage my friends and family members to practice safe driving. My sister likes to use her phone when driving. When I drive with her, I make sure that she does not use it because I have heard many horror stories about using phones while driving.

Driver education equips individuals with the knowledge to navigate roads safely, reducing the number of fatalities. When I was learning how to drive, my parents made sure that I went through a “driver’s Ed” program and took the “defensive driving course” to make sure that I was equipped for the road. Many accidents occur because people fail to recognize driving dangers or lack the education to mitigate risks. There are many things that I see other people do that put everyone in danger like vlogging while driving or texting a random text to a friend. All these endangered lives are on the road.

A key aspect is understanding traffic laws and safe driving practices, such as obeying speed limits, using seat belts, avoiding distractions, and following signs. While driver education is crucial, additional steps can be taken to reduce traffic-related deaths. Primarily, improving road safety infrastructure is essential. Well-designed roads with clear signage, proper lighting, and pedestrian walkways can prevent accidents. This is especially important in areas with high traffic volumes and in regions where roads are poorly maintained. Road construction should be regularly updated to account for new traffic patterns and emerging risks.

Stricter enforcement of traffic laws is another key strategy to reduce accidents. Many crashes are preventable if drivers follow the rules, yet speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights remain major causes of fatalities. While traffic laws are designed to protect everyone, they are often not effectively enforced. Increased penalties for offenders, along with a greater police presence, could discourage reckless behavior.

One of the most effective recent developments in reducing road fatalities has been the introduction of advanced vehicle safety technologies. Many modern cars are equipped with systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning systems. These technologies help drivers avoid accidents by providing an extra layer of protection, especially in critical moments when human reflexes might not be fast enough.

By becoming a safer driver and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively reduce the number of accidents and fatalities. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that every trip is as safe as possible, for our own sake and the well-being of those around us. Driver education, the enforcement of laws, and personal responsibility are all crucial elements in reducing deaths caused by driving. By educating ourselves and others about the importance of safety and being mindful on the road, we can all contribute to making the streets safer for everyone.