A Mindful Drive Saves Lives

Dmvedu.org scholarship

Due 3/31 500 words or less

A Mindful Drive Saves Lives

In the United States teens are driving less than their elders, but
their number of crashes and crash related deaths are
disproportionately high. The fatal crash per mile driven for 16-19
year olds is nearly three times the death rate for drivers aged 20
and older. Risk is highest during 16/17. Therefore you can see why
drivers ed is a required program that is crucial in the
development of a young driver. Drivers ed helps out in many ways when
decreasing the amount of driving deaths in these young drivers, it
prepares them for their life behind the wheel. It helps a young
driver gain confidence, responsibility, and safety tips.

There are certain steps we can all take to reduce the number of
deaths related to driving. The biggest step of all can just be
realizing that once you step in a car you are now in charge of
whomever is in the car along with you; and the other drivers around
you. With that in mind you should be conscious of your actions much
more. Never partake in distracted driving, don’t get on your phone to
text or even check a notification. Never drive under the influence of
any illegal substance. Never even drive drowsy, falling asleep behind
the wheel is extremely dangerous. Knowing that you are responsible
for all the lives in your car, make sure your friends and family stay
buckled and follow all rules while you’re driving.

Throughout my teen driving years I am fortunate enough to be able to
say I’m a crash free driver. Although, I was in the car with friends
on the way to the movies once. We were on the highway and all of a
sudden her tire had popped. Although this doesn’t seem like a huge
deal it was a very scary situation. Our car swerved from the right
lane to the left passing lane. We all made it out okay but we
realized if there were more cars in the passing lane, or if the car
that was in the passing lane wasn’t paying attention to swerve us
like they had, then we could have died that day. This crash was
definitely not my friends fault and more of a default in my friends
car. But there are points you can take from this and learn. Like to
always check your car out before driving. The tire pressures, oil and
other maintenance requirements. Also if she would have remembered
from drivers training you aren’t supposed to hit the break when this
happens, even though that’s an instinct, it could have helped the
situation.

There are many steps you can take to enhance your driving safety. The
biggest help of all can just be that you are conscious of how you are
driving and how it affects the lives of others around you. Safe
driving starts with you.