Be for Others

Be for others.

Recently, the DMV
tests have been viewed more of as an obstacle to driving rather than
what they were meant to be, assurance to others that one is
knowledgeable about the road. If more people knew more about driver
education, the more we can trust each other while driving and the
fewer deaths would be caused.

There are many
preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risks that come
with driving. For instance, cars with touchscreens that give
reminders to drivers about safety can also add reminders to put their
phones on “Do Not Disturb” or to simply turn them off if it is
unnecessary for navigation. For those who ride with passengers, they
can hand their phone off so they are not tempted to use it while
driving. There are also many apps that restrict phone usage for
certain amounts of time that can be adapted for driving purposes by
their creators.

While I have heard
stories about my friends being in car accidents, fortunately I have
only been in a single car accident, but that one is enough to keep me
cautious on the road. When I was being driven back to my house by my
neighbors who celebrated their son’s birthday, we had slowly made a
turn due to the road being dark and on a decline. Suddenly, a large
truck crashed into their minivan from behind, and being in the back
seat, I still distinctly remember the feeling of glass shards from
their back windshield rushing down and against my shirt. The truck
that had rear-ended us had not decelerated down the slope and
recklessly turned the corner quickly.

There are a plethora
of things that I can and do to make driving safer for myself and
others. Sharing stories of the consequences that distracted driving
has is a top priority and sharing the stories of others who have been
in car accidents might help to raise awareness and prevent hazards. I
do not use my phone while driving, I will usually keep it in the cup
holder or with a passenger. The importance of using blinkers too, is
something that is not stressed enough and by myself using, I hope it
will remind others to as well, and make driving safer.