Ways to Prevent Risks During Driving

Ways to Prevent Risks During Driving

Essay by India Blakely

At one point in life, we are going to be driving. Especially nowadays where we have the technology to transport to places every day. Driving is one of the most common ways of transportation, but also one of the most hazardous. The average number of car accidents in the U.S. yearly is 6 million, with 90 people dying every day due to them. And with the upcoming generations of unaccustomed drivers getting into drivers ed, it is particularly important to taking drivers ed to reduce the number of deaths and accidents that happen.

First off, with taking drivers ed, they teach you the basics of driving like the road signs, traffic signals, and right of way. This can help you maneuver through without getting lost or getting into car accidents. According to A Safer Driving World, they state, “The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths is that by letting drivers new and old know all the rules of the road will help them always be in mind of how they are expected to be driving. This will lead to fewer accidents making our roads safer, and anytime an area.” It’s also said that taking driver’s ed can significantly reduce car accidents. In a study written by the Office of University Communications, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, they claim that those who take drivers ed are less likely to get into car accidents. The articles states, “Young drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident, the study showed.” These pieces of information provide proof that driver’s education is especially important, to prevent car accidents and to teach them the proper ways of driving.

But how do we prevent, or reduce these number of deaths? What steps do we take? First off, keeping your vehicle in top-shape is one of the fewer ways to prevent the number of deaths that are caused through car accidents. In, “Five Ways to Reduce Your Risk When Driving”, the author advises, “Make sure your brakes are working properly, your tires are properly inflated, and your windows are clean. The better the condition of your vehicle and the position of your body and your mirrors within the car will give you more control when driving.” The other ways to reduce the hazardous risks of driving are taking steps, such as wearing seat belts so that you and the other person in the car are safe. Other options are adjusting your mirror or your seat. These minor things can help tremendously on preventing accidents in the future.

I have experienced many family members driving irresponsibly: to driving unbelievably fast, to swerving swiftly to lanes and not wearing seat belts properly. It’s extremely anxiety inducing to experience that firsthand, so I prepare myself for the day I begin driving to avoid those mistakes. While they haven’t gotten into any accidents, it’s still concerning to witness them driving so carelessly. During those experiences, it taught me not to drive in such a way, and only a way that can include safety for myself and others involved.