Stay Alive, Think and Drive

It is extremely important for drivers to be educated and reduce the number of deaths that are associated with driving. When a person gets their license and can legally drive, they should take it seriously. When a person drives, they are putting themselves and the other cars around them at risk for car-related accidents. Knowing the numbers and how many people die every year from car accidents can help drivers understand the reality and responsibility that it takes to be a safe driver.

There are many ways to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first one is to make sure all distractions, like phones, are in a place that will not distract the driver while they are focused on driving. Another way to reduce car accidents is for the driver to be alert. It is important for drivers to have their full and utmost attention on what is happening on the road. That way, if other drivers are acting reckless, or are swerving, the alert driver will be prepared for what to do next. Another way to reduce driving deaths is to make sure that the driver is not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. When a driver, who is under the influence, goes out onto the road, they are placing themselves, their passengers, and the surrounding cars on the road at a higher risk of an accident happening.

Personally, I have never been in a car accident, but I have had several experiences with irresponsible drivers. One of my former friends started driving right after she got her license. She would pay more attention to her phone than the road. She would text and use social media platforms while driving. Being the passenger in the car, and a driver myself, it made me very concerned and uncomfortable. I couldn’t believe that she was worried about talking to her friends more than driving safely while hurtling down the highway. Another time, a close friend got into an accident in the high school parking lot. The other driver t-boned my friend because he claimed he didn’t see him. At first, the other driver was blaming my friend for what happened. After the police showed up, the driver admitted to being on his phone while he was pulling out into the road, and did not see my friend driving. On a separate occasion, one of my family members is always on his phone for work. As soon as he receives a notification, he has to check his phone just in case it is his boss. There have been multiple instances while he has been driving, and goes to pull out his phone when he hears the notification go off. Attempting for my family member to not be a distracted driver, I always offer to help him read his notifications and emails. If that does not work, I remind him that it can wait a few minutes until he is finished driving.

Reflecting on being a better driver, I believe I can take some steps personally to become a better and safer driver. I can pay more attention to the drivers around me. Although I am trying my best to be a safe driver, they may not be. I can’t control the driving of these around me, so I should be more alert of my surroundings to be prepared in case something does happen. I can help others become safer on the road as well. Instead of having their phone in their lap or hand, I can suggest to those who I drive with to put their phones in a place where they won’t become distracted. Many phones have the option to put notifications on do not disturb while driving, which I can begin to use as well. After all, everyone wants to stay alive, so think while you drive!