Focused driving > Distracted driving

Drivers education is very important, this can not only be of help to the driver but the others on the road with the driver. This will make the driver have more awareness of themselves, others on the road and control in the vehicle. A lot of deaths each year are due to lack of knowledge; imagine being able to have prevented a crash resulting in the death of an innocent person if you just turned on your turn signal. A hard truth many of us have to face is being a distracted driver is the same thing as being a careless driver which can have bad consequences and sadly some learn this truth when it’s too late. Some steps that are able to be taken to prevent and reduce the number of deaths is: wearing a seatbelt, not trying to handle objects when driving, being sober behind the wheel, not having distracting passengers, and lastly making sure you are properly educated on driving. I have indeed had the experience of being in a car crash and I have lost family 3 members at once specifically to a crash.

I personally cannot remember the crash being that I was younger but the one that involved my aunts I can. In 2015 my aunt and her two sisters were heading home on the route 95 highway when suddenly there was a four-way crash between them and three other vehicles. This was very tragic for my family because we lost three people in the matter of a couple minutes due to reckless driving. I think what people forget to think about when driving distracted is they not only endanger themselves but others too and it is not fair to their loved ones or the other parties to get a call or visit announcing the passing. My mom had a coworker she used to speak to and upon speaking to her she learned she is not a strong driver. Well unfortunately even with this in mind she decided to drive at night which resulted in the loss of two lives and her suffering fatal injuries herself. Due to her carelessness two lives were taken and their families have to live with that for the rest of their lives. She ruined five lives in one day, those who passed, the families and her own and no amount of regret now will bring them back or change that unfortunate fact. Before getting on the roads, we have to be mindful and careful because you cannot get a life back whether that be yours or someone else. There are many steps I myself can take to be a better and safer driver most of which I do take. Before driving off making sure my mirrors, seat, and seatbelt are fastened, in the proper position etc. is a must. Here are some other steps: being aware and alert, putting your phone on silent and out of reach, not fondling with the radio and other objects, wearing the proper shoes, applying the rules of the road and overall, just being mindful of how you are driving. I am a strong believer in people will follow once you lead properly. I believe it is possible to reduce the numbers of death if more people especially young people such as myself start to be more careful and influence those around us to do the same when driving. In our teen years and young adult years we are very impressionable and can be of great influence on our peers. It won’t help us to share tips, or even make a social media post regarding the topic instead of posting about our hair, clothes, or appearance for one day. If we want the numbers of deaths to decrease, we have to do better and do better together as 1! I am the conscious driver I am today because of the experiences those around me have had and I Value not only my life but theirs as well. One last thing I would like to shine light on is road rage. Many do not see this as a form of a distraction, but I do. Recently the act of road rage causes a little six-year-old his life and other times it has resulted in crashes. When in road rage your mind tends to be more set on what or who angered you rather than the driving, you’re doing itself. We need to be fully focused on the road at all times even when a driver is not or cuts us off etc. Our lives are more important than these distractions that is why I say Focused Driving over Distracted Driving!