The Importance of Driving Safely

Halley Ziegele

The
Importance of Driving Safely

Being able to
practice safe driving is important anywhere there is a road and a
vehicle. Whether it is obeying traffic laws, road work signs,
changing driving speed based on the weather or just plain using
common sense. The different ways I have guaranteed I practice safe
driving started with taking a Drivers ed Class after I got
my driving permit. This class taught me basic driving skills,
provided me with extra driving practice with an instructor who was
there to help me drive as safely as possible. While driving during
this class I noticed a lot of other drivers that don’t drive as
safely as they could be. Sometimes a driver wouldn’t use their turn
signal, sped ahead to get around a slower driver, running a stop
sign, or just being on their phones while driving. Doing any of these
things can be extremely dangerous, not only for that driver but other
drivers or pedestrians around them. After this class ended I still
make sure I am driving safely wherever and whenever I drive. Even if
I was just driving to the post office a few streets down, I made sure
I checked my mirrors often, maintain the speed limit and of course,
always wear my seatbelt. Making sure I have my phone off or in my
purse so I am not tempted to use it is also something I try to strive
to do while driving. Distracted driving is a huge problem across the
nation just because the majority of the population has a cell phone.
Sending a quick text while driving could end up in a quick ride to
the emergency room or ending up, quite quickly, in jail.

Being a part of
that Drivers ed class was important to me. I learned so
much and know more ways to be safe on the road. I believe more people
should go to classes like the one I took just to learn more about
what is really going on when someone drives, to be more aware of the
dangers. This class taught me not only the dangers of driving but how
to minimize the danger while I drive. If more people could experience
what it would save so many lives and really open people’s eyes on
what is going on while they drive.

The state laws that
have been put in place across the United States are making the roads
safer for everyone. From states banning cell phone use while driving
to just enforcing seat belt laws, law enforcement has really been a
major help in making the roads safe. No one wants to be pulled over
and get a ticket, those who have gotten tickets don’t want more. So
with police cracking down on distracted driving drivers have driven
more safely.

I
have seen the damage car crashes cause on one’s physical and mental
abilities. I have seen the aftermath of semis’ that have run of
mountainsides, head-on collisions between two vehicles. Even just
sitting as a passenger driving by a car crash scene leaves an effect
on people. Seeing the aftermath of a car crash and just praying that
the people involved ended up alright. That is why driving as safely
as possible is so important to me. I see the results of choosing not
to drive safely, all the time. If everyone makes smarter and safer
choices while driving then there wouldn’t be so many car crashes.
That is just a common-sense statement. If I drive safely in my
community and everywhere I go, I won’t be putting my life or any
else’s life at risk.

I
know people who in my small town that don’t wear their seatbelt
because they are “just going down the road”. It only takes a few
seconds for an accident to happen. Some people believe they are safe
drivers and pay attention so they are not going to end up in a crash.
That is not always the case. Any time a driver is on the road there
is a possibility they may get involved in a crash, whether its
another’s drivers fault or a deer in the road. I know people that
are tempted to use their phones while driving. Anytime I am in a car
and the driver’s phone goes off with a notification I offer to
check it for them so they are not risking looking at the phone

Driving
safely has an impact not just on one person but thousands. So by
choosing to be safe while I drive, I am not endangering the lives of
innocent people. Being safe while driving is a huge deal and I am
proud to say I am a safe driver. I encourage everyone I know and
those reading this to also stay safe while driving. Driving is a
privilege, don’t endanger your life and those around you by abusing
the privilege to drive. Stay aware and safe every time you step in a
vehicle because it will change your life one day.