Dangers of Driving.

Distracted driving is one of the world wide leading causes of death, and many of these deaths are preventable. Having driver education can create more safety on the road, and reduce the injuries. Driver knowledge provides people with skills on how to operate a car. These skills can show drivers how to prevent accidents, and safe driving skills. Knowing these skills can reduce deaths, and improve overall road safety.

Drivers ed goes beyond teaching learners how to pass a test, it shows students how to be responsible drivers. Some of this includes, staying off your phone while driving, keeping the minimum amount of people in the car and being alert at all times. These driver ed programs cover numerous topics including safe driving, dangers of drinking and driving, traffic laws, and drug impairment driving. As a teenager this is heavily displayed in my age group drinking and driving. Being surrounded by teenagers we make dumb mistakes which may cost another person’s life. We can prevent this by following the rules of the road.

Beyond just driving skills, driver ed teaches us how to work a vehicle in different weather conditions. It shows us how to brake safely or what to do if you begin sliding on a slippery road. During bad weather conditions it’s best to drive slow and be extra cautious of your surroundings. Most deaths in my age group are caused by speeding, drinking and driving, or phone usage. As teenagers we are constantly on our phones and this creates issues further than behind the wheel.

In order to stop these driving related deaths there are certain things as a community we need to do to reduce them. We as a community can enforce stricter law enforcement to have more punishments from breaking laws including speeding, and driving under the influence. As a teenager in New York when under 18 you can’t drive past 9pm, law enforcement can strictly enforce this and if anyone breaks these rules suspension of license can help prevent more death-related cases. Most teenagers are new to the road and have not been nearly as long as half the adults on the road. Teenagers can make stupid driving mistakes which also may cause a person’s life to be over. Law enforcement enforcing more laws on teenagers driving, can prevent this. Another way we can show the community the dangers of vehicles are campaigns throughout the community. These can educate teenagers and their guardians to follow the rules and safely drive when supposed to. We can educate teenagers to stay off their phone while driving to reduce the risks of distracted driving. These campaigns can turn the public eye towards these deaths in the community and bring a change.

As we begin further in the future we can have cars improve their safety features. Some features can include emergency braking, cruise control, and lane departure warnings. Reducing the risk of drivers causing accidents. These should be promoted for all vehicles to have. While following the rules and being alert is the number one priority we also need to obey law enforcement and road safety. As a driver, it’s important to follow traffic laws. Not wearing your seatbelt as a passenger or driver can seriously injure you in the time of an accident. Wearing a seatbelt at all times can save you and your passengers from death or injuries. Make sure when you’re driving to be well rested, driving while you’re tired can create accidents and possibly fall asleep behind the wheel injuring yourself and others around you. Teenagers need to make sure to encourage others to drive responsibly as well. Make sure you never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or under the influence of any sort. Encourage them to take a uber or a lyft so they can get home safely. It’s not only about protecting themself it’s also about protecting others lives around you. Peer pressure is a major issue when you enter your teenage years, avoiding people who pressure you to do stuff you know is wrong is essential.

As a teenager I’ve seen numerous cases where my friends or people around me think it’s ok to drive under the influence. I always encourage them to find another ride whether it’s from their parents or a ride sharing app. I know how scary it is to be in an accident, and see other’s around me seriously injured from one. Driving safely not only impacts your family, but the others injured. Nobody wants to see their loved ones hurt, so refrain from this and drive safely always.