Driving Intelligently

Driving Intelligently

Driver education is critical in reducing the number of driving-related deaths. New drivers need to be educated on the importance of safety measures they should take while on the road. They need to be prepared for the numerous distractions they will face while driving and how to safely deal with them. Drivers who are being irresponsible or just need more information should also be given education courses or materials that they can use to better their habits.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, drivers need to be in control of their vehicles, passengers, and themselves. Smart decision making is key when driving a car. Road conditions can frequently change or become hazardous. Drivers need to follow the rules of the road and make adjustments accordingly like increasing their following distance in rainy weather. Passengers in the vehicle should also respect the driver during the ride. They should not be excessively loud, block the view of the driver, or cause them to lose focus on their driving. Drivers need to put down their cell phones. If you take your eyes off the road or move your hands off the wheel, you are placing both yourself and those around you at risk. Not every accident can be avoided, but by taking these precautionary steps, drivers make better decisions which leads to fewer accidents.

On my friend’s social media pages, I frequently see them posting videos of either themselves or their friends driving while using cell phones. I often worry about them because while I understand that this behavior has become normalized, it is extremely dangerous to be preoccupied with a phone while driving. I have begun speaking out when I see the people I care about behave in this way by telling them that using their phone behind the wheel is never necessary. I refuse to be a passenger in a vehicle whose driver is using their phone, and I hope they see this as a sign that they should take a moment to think about their actions.

To become a better driver, I have started using a feature on my phone which puts my phone on silent while I am driving. While I do not text or use my phone while driving, having the phone on silent helps to avoid the distraction of a buzzing or ringing device while on the road. I have rules which I follow while on the road, even if they are not necessarily required. For example, I always slow down significantly when there is rain, thick fog, or strong winds. In my neighborhood, the speed limit is 30 mph, but I never go over 20 mph because I know that there are many wild animals, small children, and cars on or near the road. To help others be safer on the road, I can gently remind them of safe driving practices before we begin driving. I can ask the person if they would like me to hold their phone for them while they drive or provide directions if they need them. I could also be of assistance to the driver if I noticed something they do not. For instance, if the driver does not remember the speed limit and is going too fast, I can simply remind them of the speed and ask them if they can slow down. I can make sure that I am a respectful passenger in another person’s vehicle by not being distracting, and hopefully influence them to follow this example the next time they are passengers.