Attention saves lives

Attention Saves Lives

Besides an
academic education, knowledge of the roads and how to be safe is the
most important piece of information for anyone in the United States.
Knowing the rules of the road are very important for any driver.
Simple concepts such as when to go at a four way stop and who has the
right of way doesn’t only decrease traffic, it truly saves lives.
The biggest problem I have observed is uneducated drivers on the road
and me having to take extra precautions to make my drive safe for me.
When driving, at times, it may seem that you can only be as safe as
other drivers allow you to be. Truly, there are many steps an
educated driver can make that will make their commute as well as the
other automobilist safer. The things a safe driver can do are as
simple at following behind cars at safe distances and using turn
signals when changing lanes. These two simple concepts may seem to be
an extremely basic principle when regarding drivers ed, but
tasks such as turn signals and following distances can truly save
lives and make others feel much more comfortable on the road. What I
believe is the most important step a driver can take is simply paying
attention and being aware of their surroundings. In my few years of
driving experience, I have found that simply giving undivided
attention to the road has saved my life multiple times. For example,
when driving through an intersection, I had the green light. I
noticed that the car coming the other way was not stopping for their
light. Because I was giving my full attention to the road, I saw the
car and was able to slow my vehicle to avoid getting hit. Another
example would be when driving through round-abouts. They have been
recently added to my city and I have noticed that many people are not
fully educated in how to drive and operate their cars in them. One
time a car suddenly slammed their brakes in front of my in the middle
of the circle. A car is never supposed to stop in the circle, because
I was following at a safe distance, did not assume any cars actions,
and was giving undivided attention to the road, I was able to stop
and avoid a collision. Personally, my views on driving safety have
changed after a minor crash. I was not paying attention and was
talking on my phone. As I pulled out of a parking spot, I hit the
bumper of another car and it caused serious damage to my car. Though
minor, the incident revealed to me the importance of putting the
phone down and being more aware of my surroundings. Since then, my
driving has made me feel much safer as I now have become more aware
of what is going on around. Though awareness is a simple part of
drivers ed, it can save the most.