Four Accidents, Two Years

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing traffic-related deaths and improving road safety. Some key reasons as to why it is important are that it helps improve driving skills and encourage safe driving habits. For example, using seat belts or obeying the speed limit. Educating people about the potential effects of driving while intoxicated can help prevent accidents due to impairment. Overall, driver education is a preventive strategy that equips individuals with the tools to make safer choices behind the wheel. As a result, it can significantly reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents.

Reducing the number of deaths related to driving requires a multifaceted approach, involving education, enforcement, engineering, and policy initiatives. People cannot follow the rules if they are not educated about them or potential risks with unsafe behaviors. Nor can they be expected to follow rules if they are not enforced effectively. Some accidents are not preventable by the driver though, as seen by my firsthand experiences. Making sure there is signage around areas heavily populated by animals, like deer, or places where children are can further prevent accidents by letting drivers who are not knowledgeable of the area be aware of potential issues. As seen in the last few years with the discouragement of using phones while driving and increasing punishments and fines relating to distracted driving, can help prevent accidents and deaths as well.

Over the last two years, I have been in four car accidents, all of which were declared not at fault. My second most recent one, at the start of my first semester of nursing school, was a result of a distracted driver. Unfortunately, for me, it was a semi driver. He had rear-ended me at a red-light, pushing my car into a oncoming semi that was turning. Luckily, I was not knocked unconscious and managed to spin my car into a culvert and not into the other semi as I would have been wedged between the truck and the trailer. So during week 3 of my first semester, my car was totaled, and I was left with a concussion and severe back pain. Luckily, I do not believe in failing and I still passed the semester. Then my last one, at the beginning of December, was because a deer slammed itself into the side of my car as I was driving home from a closing shift. If I had hit the deer, I could say it was a lesson on focusing on the road but, it had jumped out from tall grass right into my car—something I could not have seen due to limited visibility; or prevented.

Almost everyone I know uses their phone while driving, something that is illegal and dangerous. It has become such a common habit in today’s society that many people don’t even think twice about it. They may check a text, answer a call, or even scroll through social media while on the road. However, the reality is that using your phone while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. Statistically, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities, with texting and driving being especially deadly. Personally, and especially with my luck, I do not use my phone while driving and encourage my friends to do the same.

The steps I can take to become a safer driver, as well as help those around me be safer on the road, include encouraging mindfulness and discouraging distractions behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a major issue today, with people often using their phones, eating, or even talking to others while driving. By promoting mindfulness, I can remind myself and others to stay focused on the task at hand—driving. This means keeping our attention fully on the road, being aware of our surroundings, and not allowing anything to divert our focus. Simple habits like keeping our phones out of reach or using hands-free devices can make a big difference in reducing distractions.

Additionally, taking defensive driving courses is another proactive step I can take to ensure my safety and the safety of others on the road. These courses provide valuable insights into how to handle dangerous situations, anticipate potential hazards, and react appropriately in emergency scenarios. By improving my skills, I’ll be better prepared to make quick decisions when necessary and avoid accidents. We cannot control how others behave on the road, but we can only do our best to prepare ourselves for whatever may happen. Defensive driving teaches us to anticipate the unexpected and stay calm and composed in potentially hazardous situations.

Aside from these personal actions, I can also encourage friends and family to adopt safe driving practices. This includes leading by example, it’s essential to foster a culture of safety within my circle, helping others recognize the impact their actions can have on everyone’s well-being. When we all commit to being more mindful and responsible behind the wheel, we create a safer road environment for ourselves and others.

Overall, education plays a key role in reducing the number of accidents and deaths related to driving. Sometimes, the driver cannot prevent a accident from occuring but being educated can help reduce incidents or making an accident worst.