Safety Starts with Driving

Ashlye Firasek

Safe on your own, Safe on the
Road

As
it is often overlooked, driving is a risky and often very dangerous
activity that takes the lives of tens of thousands of people every
year. The streets are filled with careless drivers and countless
dangers, resulting in an outrageous number of deaths. Although this
can be avoided, many people don’t realize the threat they are
putting themselves in or the threat they could be giving to others
while undergoing this daily activity. Driving may seem harmless but
how you choose to do so can greatly affect yourself and those around
you. There are many things including drivers ed, the
elimination of unsafe road conditions, and self-awareness that could
reduce the number of deaths related to driving and improve the safety
of those on the road.

Drivers
education is very important in reducing the number of deaths on the
road, as it increases the knowledge of new-coming drivers. Most of
the time, new drivers are extremely excited to get on the road by
themselves without understanding the true meaning of safety and
alertness. If newcomers are aware of the outcome of reckless driving
and are given guidance on how to prevent this reckless behavior, the
roads would be a lot safer and there would be a large decrease in
incidents.

Many
steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving
including the improvement of road conditions, and the elimination of
drunk drivers. Poor road conditions like potholes, eroding roads, and
missing guard rails are very dangerous and could result in a lot of
harm. These issues are easily fixed and can greatly increase the
safety of drivers. Another step that could be taken to reduce the
number of deaths related to driving would be the elimination of drunk
drivers. Drinking and driving is a huge issue that places a vast
amount of danger on the roads every day. It not only affects the
driver but everyone else around them. If this issue was addressed
more seriously, it would reduce the number of deaths by making the
road a lot safer. These steps would create a huge impact on the roads
and those driving on them every day.

I
have never been involved in a car accident but I have been in the car
with someone driving irresponsibly. There have been times that I am
riding with friends who are driving recklessly or texting and
driving, which made me very uncomfortable but also aware of dangers
on the road. To be a better and safer driver, it is important that
you follow the rules of the road and stay cautious of everything that
is happening around you. Being responsible and respecting other
people means that you are watching the road, eliminating
distractions, and respecting things like speed limits, stops signs.
By doing this, not only are you protecting yourself but you are also
helping others to stay safe on the road. As important as it is to
keep yourself safe on the road, it is also equally important to
ensure the safety of others.