How To Be a Safe Driver

In a research study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, researchers concluded that “teens taking driver education are less likely to be involved in crashes or to receive a traffic violation during their first two years of driving.” Teen crashes and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18. This reduction is meaningful because it makes a difference in teen traffic outcomes when risk is highest. Driver education teaches students the correct way to drive safely to avoid accidents. Driver education can teach teens how to drive on a highway carefully, operate on a busy intersection, drive in traffic, and think ahead to give them enough time to think about the next decision. Teens who take driver education demonstrate safer driving, proper driving habits, and more comprehensive knowledge of the road’s rules and laws than others who do not take it. Most driver education courses will also teach teens how to change a tire, check/change their oil, and where vital car parts are located on the vehicle. This knowledge can help them in emergencies.

A few steps that I and others can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to make sure the car is in good shape when driving. For instance, if you do not have the proper wheels when it is snowing and icy outside, you can slide into another car or off the road. Check your car often, and take it to the shop when something seems different than usual. Make sure you do not get distracted while driving. Put your phone down to keep your eyes from wandering off from the road, along with any other objects that can distract you. Distractions can cause you not to obey the rules of the road or hit another car. For example, you could miss the speed limit sign and be driving too slow or too fast. Both can cause an accident. Always wear your seatbelt and in the correct way! The seat belt’s shoulder part should fit snugly across your chest and shoulder, not under your arm or across your neck or face. The correct way to wear a seatbelt in the car is across the shoulder and chest and over the hips and thighs.

The number one thing would be not to drink and drive! Drunk driving is one of the highest causes of death related to driving. If you have been drinking, take an uber or have a friend who has not been drinking drive. Also, do not get behind the wheel when you are under the influence of drugs and not mentally and physically able to drive a car. You can not make sound judgments and quick reactions. Avoid driving under the influence at all costs.

Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?