Stay Alive

Stay Alive

Awareness.
How can we tackle an issue so critical to every growing generation,
if we ourselves aren’t aware of the current epidemic that has
resulted from a lack of safe driving practices? Globally, 1.35
million lives are lost to motor accidents. This statistic may seem
like one to look over, as human beings it would be natural to do so.
It is not our fault that we cannot comprehend the gravity of this
issue, until it is too late and happens to someone we love. Must it
get to this point until we finally wake up? Drivers ed is
critical in reducing the number of deaths as it provides us with the
understanding and comprehension necessary to avoid devastating
accidents. By increasing the number of educated and well-informed
drivers on the road, we are simultaneously reducing the number of
careless mistakes that are made and often results in the loss of
human lives.

Drunk
driving is a common cause of deaths related to driving. A way in
which we can reduce these deaths could be to create a partnership
with Uber or Lyft, whereby you get 2 discounted rides a year for
emergency cases where you feel you are not in the right state of mind
to drive due to alcohol consumption or over exhaustion. Being
distracted whilst driving is the most common cause of motor vehicle
accidents. Although a distraction can come in many forms, the most
evident source is from a mobile device that may captivate the
driver’s attention more than the road. In order to reduce this, I
urge and encourage anyone who may be driving with a friend or family
member to perhaps offer to answer the phone for the driver. There is
no harm in proposing this courteous act, it may save your life.

Unfortunately,
at my young age of 22 I have lost two friends due to irresponsible
driving. Prior to these incidents I was definitely an individual that
believed that my friends or family would never be victims of car
accidents…until they were. Following these happenings, I became
more aware of the imperative role that I must play in ensuring my
friends and family drive with care no matter how short the journey.

The
most obvious step that can be taken which I have just started putting
into practice is putting my phone away whilst driving. This allows me
to get rid of any temptations to quickly check a snapchat, a message
or aimlessly scroll through Instagram whilst sitting in traffic. It
is furthermore necessary to ensure that you make the executive
decision to stay the night somewhere if you are simply too tired to
be behind the wheel. Be road conscious and think of OTHERS. If you
are not willing to carry out safe practices for yourself, be aware
that a simple mistake you make can create lifelong damages to someone
else’s loved one.