Two Lives Gone

Driving is a privilege that comes with a large amount of responsibility. Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to traffic related accidents. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with correct driver’s education and being more careful on the roads. The importance of driver’s ed in reducing deaths is crucial because it gives people knowledge and skills to be safe while on the road. By understanding the traffic laws, being a defensive driver, and not being reckless, drivers can decrease the chance of an accident. The main purpose of driver’s education is promoting road safety and with correct training, drivers learn traffic laws, road signs, and how to watch out for other drivers on the road. Proper education helps drivers know what to do in dangerous situations and to make decisions that can help keep them safe. Also, education on the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and speeding can also help prevent accidents. Different studies show that driver education programs have led to less accidents and safer roads.

To lower the number of traffic related deaths, many steps can be taken. Number one is stricter enforcement for the traffic laws, including harsher penalties for speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence which can result in fatal accidents. Also, improved construction such as more visible road signs, putting in roundabouts and speed bumps in risky areas can all help towards preventing accidents. Another important step is increasing public awareness through different campaigns that highlight the dangers and the consequences of unsafe driving. Schools, workplaces, and different media outlets like facebook and instagram can play a huge role in educating the public on road safety. Encouraging the use of safety features such as seat belts, safety cameras, and other advancements are critical in keeping drivers safe. The most common death in car accidents is not wearing a seatbelt. You always need to use one, even for short distances, because you could get thrown out of your car in a small impact wreck. Another way that people can reduce traffic and congestion on the roads is to use different modes of public transportation, cycling, or even walking. When the roads get really congested and there is a lot of traffic, this can lead to more wrecks.

While I have not actually been in a car accident I know the devastation that one can create and destroy a family. My mom’s brother was killed because of another driver being careless and reckless on the road. This happened before I was born when my uncle was coming home late one night driving on the highway. A woman was driving the wrong way down the interstate in my uncle’s lane and hit his car head-on killing both of them instantly. The lady driving was under the influence of alcohol and should never have been behind the wheel of a car. The devastation for both families could have easily been prevented with proper education on the dangerous effects of drinking and driving. I know it was so hard for my grandparents and my mom to receive the call that night that changed their lives. I also lost a friend to drinking and driving. She and her best friends, one night, decided to do a tik tok dare for a senior prank. My friend’s best friend, the one who was driving, was drunk and high while behind the wheel. She was driving 100 miles per hour when she hit a tree head-on killing my friend, Sophie, and also critically injuring her friend in the back seat. Two lives gone…driving recklessly and under the influence and never should have happened and could have been prevented. Before stepping foot in a vehicle you should always be sober no matter what, and if you’ve had even one drink then call a friend or Uber. As my parents always tell me, “Call us anytime with no explanation and we will pick you up.”Drunk driving and reckless driving have changed not just my family’s life but also mine as I lost a close friend. I have also experienced people texting while driving and speeding. These acts pose a serious threat to other drivers around them. Close calls and minor accidents have served as wake up calls to people texting or speeding. But it is still very concerning how drivers still take advantage of the dangers of reckless and careless driving.

To be a better and safer driver for myself, I can also take steps in becoming the best driver I can be. I took a defensive driving course that taught me how to drive on ice and regain control of my car in slick conditions. I learned why we should not text and drive. I felt a lot more confident behind the wheel of my car after taking this course. I can also do little things while driving, such as adhering to the traffic laws, maintaining focus on the road at all times, putting my phone on do-not disturb, and most importantly practicing defensive driving. This will help ensure my safety and the safety of others. I can also avoid looking or using my cellphone, playing loud music, and staying alert. I should encourage friends and family members to also be responsible while on the road and to have good and safe driving habits. Leading by example, discussing the importance of road safety, and also correcting unsafe behaviors can contribute to more responsible driving. Participating in courses and staying up to date on new traffic laws will improve driving skills and awareness.

In conclusion, driver’s education plays a very important role in reducing traffic deaths by equipping people with knowledge and skills. Enforcing stricter traffic laws, raising public awareness on drinking and driving, and improving road construction along with infrastructure are all important steps in making the roads safer. By practicing responsible driving and also encouraging others to do the same, we can all together work towards reducing the number of deaths related to driving.