Stay Safe While Driving

Driver education is extremely important and needed to reduce the number of deaths resulting from driving. Driving is a privilege which should be taken very seriously by anyone who is granted a driver’s license and gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.  The rules of the road are put in place to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.  It is essential for drivers to understand and follow the rules of the road so they can stay safe but also keep others safe as well. Defensive driving provides education which allows drivers how to drive safely but also how to be a defensive driver so they can prevent accidents and avoid an accident if someone else is driving recklessly.

Steps which can be taken to reduce deaths are to drive the speed limit, adhere to the rules of the road, wear seatbelts, make sure the windows are clear and clean and the mirrors for driving are positioned correctly. Drivers should not smoke illegal substances while driving or drink alcohol, you need to be fully aware and alert and anything that disrupts your sensibilities is a hazard. Drivers should limit distractions when driving, no texting, talking on the phone, eating, blasting loud music or multitasking.  Drivers should make sure that they are focused on driving, their surroundings and the vehicles that are around them. Drivers need to be able to react and be proactive when driving in the streets and on the highway. Drivers should understand the rules of the road explicitly before they begin to drive a car.  I think drivers should be tested on the laws of the road every one-two years.  This would force drivers to know and follow the laws of the road and face consequences if they fail the driving test. Also, as drivers become senior citizens, they should also be given cognitive and vision tests to ensure that they are able to continue driving at such an advanced age. If you see someone driving recklessly, move to a slower lane or pull over if they are heading in your direction.  The police can also ticket drivers that are driving above the speed limit and recklessly.  When the police enforce the laws of reckless drivers is swift and constant, this might deter other drivers from driving recklessly. Lastly, drivers can be more responsive and defensive when driving and do their best to share the road and follow the law.  If a driver sees a reckless driver, if able get their license plate number and provide it to the police as a preventative measure. 

I was in the car with my mom and my grandfather a few years ago and my grandfather was driving very fast and swerving from lane to lane on the highway.  I was very nervous and scared that we would get into an accident.  My mother had a scared look on her face as well and told my grandfather to slow down because he was driving too fast. He did slow down and then my mother told him to pull over to the shoulder of the road. Once he pulled over, my mom switched seats with my grandfather, and she began to drive to our home.  I was so relieved that my mother took over and started driving.  That was an extremely scary feeling, being in the back seat and not knowing if we could possibly be in an accident; and not having any control to change the situation.  After this incident my grandfather decided on his own to stop driving, which was a relief to us all.  

I am determined to be a safe driver; I am currently studying for my Learner’s permit and I plan to take driving lessons from a certified instructor.  I want to understand the rules of the road and follow the law when I begin to drive.  I ride with family members pretty frequently and I am always looking to see if they are driving below or above the speed limit. If they signal when changing lanes and what steps they take when parking a car and exiting the expressway.   

I think that driving is a skill that requires your full attention and should not be taken lightly.  Driving recklessly can definitely be life or death.  As a future driver, I want to know that I am doing everything in my power to follow the laws when I drive, and I am not putting anyone else at risk.  I think if we all strive to ensure that drivers are fully educated and continue to stay educated that we can reduce driving related deaths.