A Driver’s Duty

Clara Schreffler

October 21, 2020

A Driver’s Duty

Driving is the number one cause of death among young people. Everyone has seen or been in a car crash and many have lost someone in a car crash. Everyone can decrease the number of road deaths by driving safely. Driver’s education or “driver’s ed.” is an excellent way to prepare drivers for safe driving. By following practical steps, along with taking driver’s ed., everyone can help make America’s roads safer.

Every year about 34,000 Americans die as a result of driving. Many of these deaths could have been easily avoided. The most common causes of driving deaths are preventable conditions. The top causes are driving drunk, drugged, distracted, or drowsy. These are preventable situations. Every driver should take steps to avoid driving when in one of these circumstances. When someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence, distracted, or tired they are putting themselves and others at risk. There are millions of examples of this. Here is one instance of drowsy driving affecting multiple people. In August 2018, a driver was trying to push through drowsiness to get home in the early hours of the morning. It was 1:30 A.M., he was on the interstate, only about 30 minutes from home. He fell asleep at the wheel and slammed into a concrete barrier. His car was crumpled like a tin can and he suffered minor burns. While he was waiting for emergency vehicles, an eighteen-wheeler crashed into the wreckage of his car and, swerving out of control, broke through the median barrier, crossed the interstate going the opposite direction, and tipped over on the far side. One driver’s failing to do his duty caused injury to himself and others on the road.

Driver’s ed. is important because it helps to prevent situations like this. Driver’s ed. courses inform drivers of the dangers of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These courses also explain the risks of driving distracted or drowsy. Driver’s ed. courses give examples of each of these dangers and practical ways to avoid them. Once a student has passed a certified driver’s ed. course they are well informed and aware of the dangers of driving drunk, drugged, distracted, or drowsy. They have the duty to avoid these dangers to keep themselves and others safe on the road. Driver’s ed. produces well-informed and safe drivers and well-informed and safe drivers help decrease the number of road deaths in America.

There are steps every driver should take every time they get in the car. These steps ensure that the driver avoids the common causes of road deaths. Above all the driver should always avoid drugs and not drink before driving. If necessary, get a ride. Remove distractions. When getting in the car adjust the seat, temperature, and mirrors. This way, there’s no need to try to work the controls while driving. Set the phone to do not disturb. If necessary, remind passengers to be quiet. Know the destination and route. Be aware of any construction zones or road closures. Avoid eating while driving and do not try to fix wardrobe, hair, or makeup while driving. Having perfect makeup is not worth risking another death. To prevent driving while drowsy do not try to drive during the night unless absolutely necessary, take turns with other drivers to stay alert, and do not drive if taking medications that interfere with sleep or concentration. These basic steps save lives.

If every driver followed these steps when they got behind the wheel, road deaths would be almost non-existent. All new drivers should take driver’s ed. so that they are aware of the dangers of driving and are prepared to do their duty. It is every driver’s duty, young or old, to decrease road deaths in America by driving only when sober and alert.