The Importance of Driving Safely

Driving safely and without distractions is essential not only for protection the lives of drivers and passengers, but also for the protection of pedestrians and other road users; prioritizing focused driving minimizes the likelihood of accidents, encourages responsible habits, and contributes to a safer community overall. When you get your driver’s license you are not just taking another “normal” steppingstone in your life, instead you are getting one of the most dangerous weapons handed to you. Driving has its advantages, however, when you get behind a wheel there is no fun and games because you are now responsible for your life and the others around you. Everything I just stated is grilled into my brain and I believe that every person with a license should have the same knowledge. Unfortunately, I learned the lessons of driving on the road the hard way. If you actively participate in distracted driving or allow those around you to participate, then you are a part of the problem.

These days, with so many things competing for our attention, drivers really need to step up and make sure they’re focused on the road to keep everyone safe. The driving school required before obtaining a license is a good start to understanding the importance of driving; however, for a driver to truly understand they must do some research on their own. The first thing you might come across when you begin research on car accidents in the US is that there is an average of 36,164 accidents per day (Distracted Driving | NHTSA, n.d.). This number highlights the urgent need for stricter laws and better education on the dangers of distractions behind the wheel. In April of 2023, my state, Ohio, set a law into motion that says that texting while driving is illegal and can result in major fines. I supported this action becoming illegal from day one because it will save many lives in the future and may already have.

Approximately, everyday there is at least 9 people killed in accidents from distracted driving. To some people that may just be a number, however, to other’s that is a loved one. I unfortunately fell under that category on July 22, 2022. Losing a family member or anyone important to you due to a distracted driver, is a pain I would never wish on anyone. My grandpa retired in his late 50’s to early 60’s and after retiring he decided to drive Amish people to places they needed to go. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone that needed help, so this was the perfect job for him! He eventually grew deep connections with many Amish families, and they absolutely adored him. On the morning of July 22 my grandpa was on his way to drop off an Amish man by the name of Alvin, at his house around 40 minutes away from his own home. As they were crossing an intersection, a man in a company truck with a trailer on the back blew passed a stop sign and ran into my grandpa and Alvin. The truck had slammed into them at such a high speed that the automobile on the trailer had completely detached. A kind lady that lived near the scene rushed to my grandpa’s side and she informed me and my family the only thing my grandpa asked was if Alvin was okay. These were my grandpas’ final words before taking his final breath and that really shows the kind of man he was. Fortunately, Alvin survived the accident, however, he had endured major injuries that required months of healing. This event changed my perception on life because my grandpa was like a father to me. I have chosen to be a prosecutor in my future to put people like this away.

A common misconception about distracted driving is that it only involves texting, nonetheless, there are very common actions that can distract a driver. The man who killed my grandpa had a companion in the vehicle which can be a vital source of distraction to drivers. Other types of distractions can include, eating, loud music, changing channels, etc. Although there are many types of distractions, with the correct knowledge and awareness on driving safety, you can protect yourself and others on the road! Ultimately, embracing the responsibility of safe driving not only protects you, but also fosters a culture of respect and vigilance on our roads, ensuring that everyone can share this journey of life safely.