Safe Driving saves Lives

Safe Driving Saves Lives

By Keion Mitchell-Samuel

Driving is one of the most important and empowering aspects of a teenagers life. Driver education is the most important key to success for a person who is developing confidence and skills behind the wheel, so the number of deaths of drivers stays low. Driver education teaches an individual the basic rules of the road. It also gives the student driver a chance to actually drive while having an instructor right beside them to provide support and guidance while they get first hand experience on the road. This helps to not only build confidence but build important life saving skills for anyone on the road. “Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of accidental deaths for teens in the United States. Wrecks account for one in every three teen fatalities”, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first step is to regulate the number of passengers in the car for newly licensed drivers. By law, in the State of Massachusetts where I live, you need to have been driving at least six months before you can drive with a passenger that is outside your immediate family. Another step that could be taken to reduce the number of deaths is to teach drivers the dangers of using their phones while driving. If drivers were required by law to not be talking or while driving this would reduce the amount of accidents due to using the phone while driving. Massachusetts just recently passed the “hands-free” law that was effective as of February 23, 2020, that prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. The last, and very important step that could be taken to reduce the death rate of drivers is to try to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents. If by law, drivers were required to have breathalyzers in their cars that would not allow the car to start without a passing score, the number of drunk driving accidents would decrease dramatically. This idea of having it be law instead of only a tool to be used once a driver is suspected of consuming alcohol, is something that has not been enforced for those who have never been convicted of drunk driving. However, if this was a requirement for every driver then I am sure it could save many lives.

I am very fortunate to have never been in a bad car accident, however I have been in a couple of fender benders. The first accident I was in was on the second day of driving after receiving my license. I was driving to a friend’s house and I had taken a wrong turn, and pulled over in a parking lot to turn around. When backing out I carelessly did not double check in my rear view mirror, and hit another car. I was considerably shaken, and luckily enough the woman that I hit also had teenage children. She was very understanding and willingly gave me her information. The next time I had an accident it did not go as smoothly. I was involved in a hit in run. This was very scary because I was driving on an interstate at a high speed. The car on my left must have not seen me, and attempted to switch lanes. I heard a “slam” and felt my vehicle jolt toward the right. Luckily no one was in the right hand lane! I quickly turned off the exit assuming the individual who had hit me would do the same. Unfortunately, they did not. The side of my car was dented and scratched, but luckily neither my passenger or myself was hurt. Fortunately the car was still drivable with only cosmetic damage. These two accidents helped me realize in order to be a better driver I need to pay better attention. I need to make sure I check, and double check all my mirrors, and not be as impulsive when driving. Also, I was very fortunate to get a camera installed in my car so I can see behind while backing up. I also feel that with time and experience my driving abilities will improve. Therefore I can keep myself, my passengers, and others on the road safe.