Consequences

Lizmar A. Torres

Consequences:

Every year around 1.35 million people die from motor vehicle accidents, of which 2,500 are teens. Nowadays, most people do not take an informative course on driving, which can leave them unprepared as well as uninformed in many scenarios. However, it is vital, in order to achieve becoming a responsible driver, to be properly educated on driving laws as well as how to drive defensively, how to drive in severe weather and in unprecedented or unforeseen situations. Subsequently, anyone who wishes to have the privilege of driving, should be required to take a Driver’s Ed course that focuses on some of the main factors that cause crashes, which include: driving distracted, driving under the influence, speeding, driving recklessly and weather conditions. These courses have helped to reduce crashes by 4.3%, so imagine how many more crashes could be avoided if everyone was required to take a course like so and pass it. As I see my grandmother age, I think it would be helpful to have a test that measures the alertness and capability to continue driving. This will help ensure the safety of others as well as the driver. Due to distracted driving, a friend of mine was pinned between his grandmother’s car and the distracted driver’s front bumper of the car while retrieving his bookbag. This is a great example of distracted driving in a school zone, where one should exemplify extra caution. After much therapy and medical care, my friend was able to recuperate, but had this driver been attentive, time, anguish and money would have been avoided and saved. Among many things we can all do to become better and safer drivers, practice is important. I normally practice where I am weakest in driving. I do so in a vacant space, where there are less chances of an accident occurring. In addition, although it might not always be viable, it is important to drive when your emotions are in check. If you have something on your mind whether it is good or bad, it is important to be careful as it can count as distracted driving. When something is on our minds, we tend to space out. On the road, 10-15 seconds makes a huge difference. In that time, a car you did not see could be headed your way, which could potentially lead to an accident. It is also important to make sure there are no distractions, such as phones or people who can cause them. Even dogs! It can be very tempting to answer a call from your best friend, give your fur babies some kisses or even email the professor that finally got back to you about that one homework assignment. Prevention before getting in the car is vital but it also includes physical examinations. Are your car mirrors placed where you can see? Is the music too loud and is that the music you want to listen to? Is the seat in a comfortable position that allows you to see the road properly? Are your tires inflated? Asking yourself these questions can avoid distractions of having to adjust settings while on the road, when your focus should be elsewhere- the road! Not only do we need to be aware of ourselves, we need to be aware of others. We cannot control other people and their actions so we must be wary in order to avoid miserable situations.

Sources used:

https://azbigmedia.com/business/transportation-biz/5-of-the-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/

Road Safety Facts — Association for Safe International Road …www.asirt.org › safe-travel › road-safety-facts

Teen Drivers: Get the Facts | Motor Vehicle Safety | CDC Injury …www.cdc.gov › motorvehiclesafety › teendrivers_factsheet