Dare to Drive

“Knowledge
is power” is a common phrase people spit around daily. What we
don’t realize is how applicable that statement can be inside, and
outside of traditional educational environments. As boring as it may
be to spend hours reading about how long to stop at a stop sign, or
who has the right of way at a 3-way intersection, it is remembering
small facts like those that can be the deciding factor as to if a
person may live or die when they step inside of their car.

Educating
everyone on the harms of distracted driving, emphasizing the
importance of following even the most minute of traffic laws, and
promoting defensive driving practices are all steps that can reduce
the number of driving-related deaths. This is crucial especially
among young, impressionable drivers who rely heavily on approval from
their peers. The standard for safe driving practices is set by those
around you, be the example and set the bar high for your friends and
all of the roads will be safer because of it.

I
see unsafe driving practices take place every day. People make risky
turns in hopes of making it on time to an appointment, run a yellow
light to avoid sitting at an intersection, snapchat or text while
driving. There are a number of ways to put you and those around you
at risk while driving. What many people don’t understand is that by
practicing those habits, they are putting everyone on the road at
risk, not just themselves. Making light of these issues is not just
unconscientious and irresponsible, but sends the message that you
lack regard for the lives of those around you.

A
big, but easy way to help yourself and others become safer on the
road is just to stay attentive. Everytime you get in the car, you are
making the active decision to go out and man a motorized vehicle that
has the potential to alter someone’s life. Acknowledge that you’re
not alone when you’re out on the road and your personal decisions
have an effect on those around you. Noticing the bad habits you or a
loved one has while driving and recognizing that they’re harmful
can be the first step. No one is perfect and it’s okay to make
mistakes, the important part is owning up to them and making a change
so that one wrong move doesn’t cost someone their life. If you see
someone you know practicing bad driving habits, speak up and make
sure they fix them. On the road, if you’re ever uncertain, it is
always best to play it safe.