Stay Alert, Text Later – Your FaceBook Status Can Wait

We often underestimate how car accidents contribute to mortality rates in the U.S alone. NHTSA data reports that thousands of deaths are attributed to drunk driving and driving while texting, some of the prime leading causes for car accidents. It is important that young students and adults are exposed to education programs that can enlighten them to dangerous factors in driving, but help them know how to obey the law while maintaining safe driving awareness to ensure that they can protect themselves and those that are driving with them.

Driving education provides people with essential knowledge and skills that promote safe driving practices. An informed, novice driver is subjected to making dangerous and risky decisions like speeding and failing to obey traffic signals. This understanding includes not just the mechanics of driving such as braking, steering, and accelerating—but also the decision-making process involved. Drivers should be familiar with essential systems like the brakes, lights, steering mechanisms, and how to adjust the mirrors in their vehicle where they can gauge distances effectively and comfortably.

In my own experience of learning how to drive, I recall my driving instructor using vague terminology when instructing me to perform a particular task while I was traveling 50 mph on the road. He used the unclear phrase “bring it in” which left me puzzled. When I finally realized that I was supposed to switch lanes to the left, panic surged through my veins. “Darn I missed my signal,” I thought to myself and immediately I proceeded to jerk the steering wheel to the left. Fortunately, I avoided a potential accident due to my instructor’s intervention, but this experience highlighted that clear communication is imperative in driving education. Driving instructors should make sure to use precise terminology to prevent misunderstandings that could perplex a novice drive and could trigger dangerous situations. Immediately after, I was also berated by my instructor for my lack of cognizance. Driving instructors should not react harshly to their students but have patience.

In addition to classroom instruction, I think it is vital for beginner drivers to employ defensive driving and how to pay careful attention to their surroundings. Learning to navigate real-world scenarios can help prepare students for unpredictable obstacles on the road. For example, in October 2024, I recall witnessing a severe accident while sitting in the passenger seat with my Dad. A car entering from the perpendicular direction of the traffic light ran a red light and collided with the vehicle in front of us. The impact was catastrophic, causing the affected car to flip over and roll. This incident served as a reminder to always be alert and prepared for anything. In my opinion, I believe that it is generally safe for drivers to wait a few seconds before going during a green light. It allows them to check if the intersection is clear of pedestrians, cyclicts, or reckless drivers that are going when they are not supposed to. When the traffic light changes, it is common for some drivers to quickly accelerate, but waiting a moment can ensure that other vehicles are stopping or going when expected.

An additional critical aspect that I wanted to highlight in driving safety is highway hypnosis, which can occur during long periods of monotonous driving. This trance-like state happens when a driver becomes engrossed in the familiarity of a road, which makes them negligent to scan their surroundings or beware of road signs. Protective measures that can be taken include planning out your breaks, engaging in conversation, keeping the temperature cool inside the vehicle, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking turns with another driver if possible.

Moreover, self-awareness is key when taking steps to be a better and safer driver; recognizing if your own limits such as fatigue or emotional state will affect your performance on the road. If you find yourself feeling tired or emotionally distressed, it is best to avoid driving until your mind is clear, and you should take a break or find alternative methods of transportation. You should also make sure that you have the required gadgets needed to help you reach your destination such as a GPS. Especially in the nighttime, your vision and ability to see is crucial because even I get really apprehensive when I’m driving at night. Similar to those times when Scooby-Doo jumps into Shaggy’s arms when a spooky shadow passes by—every unfamiliar turn has me clenching on the steering wheel waiting anticipatedly for what shenanigans may lay ahead on the road. However, if you have nighttime glasses, make sure to have them on you. Keep your eyes on the road, don’t speed irresponsibly; take it easy.

Succinctly, we as individuals and as a community can further reduce the numbers of deaths related to driving through active involvement. As citizens we can get involved with local authorities and support campaigns aimed towards raising driving and road safety awareness. We can encourage the implementation of road safety programs, advocate for better road signage and push for better traffic laws. In the end, safe driving requires collective effort, education, and mutual advocacy to foster a safe road environment.