Drivers ed 2020: The Consequences of Distracted Driving

When one leaves their house, they expect to get to their destination safely. Unfortunately, that was not the case the day I left to work. I was at a stop sign, waiting for my turn to go when all of a sudden, I looked at my rearview mirror and saw a man who was not slowing down to make the stop. He had rear-ended me, I was shocked and nervous, I knew how the whole situation would go since it wasn’t the first time, I was in a car accident. In 2018 on my way home a vehicle t-boned me on the driver’s side. I was 14 and had just gotten my learners permit and had just begun taking drivers ed. Thankfully all those involved in both accidents were not seriously injured, however, those accidents took a toll on me and my anxiety when it came to getting back on the road.

According to NHTSA in 2018, there were 2,481 deaths and an estimate of 400,000 injuries related to distracted driving. Distracted driving is when a motorist is engaged in an activity while driving, causing them to lose their focus on the road. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, talking with friends, messing with the radio or GPS. All those things cause a distraction and engaging in any of these activities while driving can result in a car accident.

Being educated on the importance of safe driving and the consequences of distracted driving is an important step to making roads safer. Teenagers are more likely to get into accidents as a result of distracted driving. They are more prone to use their phones while driving, that’s why it’s important to speak up if a peer sees their friend on their phone while driving. Parents can lead by example, if a child sees their parents texting and driving, they will think it is alright to do so. For that reason, parents should refrain from using their cellular devices and speak to their children about the dangers of distracted driving. Educators can teach students how to drive safely. Give them tips about where to put their phones, food, etc. while driving so those objects do not create a distraction.

Everybody must be responsible for their own choices. While one can’t control the choices others make, there are steps you can take to prevent distractions while driving: putting your phone in your purse, or in the glove compartment to avoid looking at it constantly, when using a GPS set it up before you begin, connect the GPS to your AUX so you don’t have to look at your phone. If you have food, keep it sealed until you have arrived at your destination, or if grabbing a drink, use a cup that does not obstruct your view. All these small steps and choices can make a difference and make you a safer driver.

Works Cited

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving