Keep the Roads Safe: The Importance of Driver Safety

Keep the Roads Safe: The Importance of Driver Safety

By Kyla Reimer

Blaring sirens, the sound of metal against metal, and urgent cries for help are all-too-familiar sounds on United States roads. Every driver’s worst fear is a disastrous car accident, but it is likely that many drivers will experience a car accident in their lifetime. When I learned to drive at age fifteen, being at the wheel felt like a whole new world with a language I did not yet understand. But, because I had a great driving instructor and driving education, I quickly caught on to the language of the road.

Receiving a proper driving education is essential to your own safety and the safety of others on the road, especially in the busy world of super-highways, traffic jams, and dangerous driving conditions. An important step a young driver can take to ensure proper road safety knowledge is to take an extra class on driver safety. Some insurance companies even offer discounts when these courses are completed! There are certain laws already in place that aid young drivers in understanding road safety. For example, when a student driver has his or her permit, they must drive with an adult who is experienced in driving. This way, the adult can catch any mistakes the new driver may make and help educate the driver while he or she practices driving. Another requirement for certain age groups of new drivers is to have a certain amount of lessons with a driving instructor before the individual can take their driver’s test. This should be mandatory for all age groups, as driving instructors are professionally trained to teach essential driving skills that are vital to road safety. Furthermore, driving instructors and driver’s education classes warn new drivers on how to react to potential dangers on the road to reduce the chance of getting into a crash.

Reckless driving does not just affect the driver. Reckless driving compromises the safety of all those on the road, including passengers and pedestrians. Driving too fast, rapidly changing lanes, or not paying attention to the road are all parts of reckless driving and increase the risk of a car accident. I have been in a car when someone is driving irresponsibly, and it makes the passengers worry about their own safety and the safety of others on the road. When parents or older siblings are driving recklessly, these habits may be passed onto new drivers that have been with them in the car. An adult’s attitude about safe driving also impacts the new driver’s mindset when learning to drive. If the adult is a reckless driver and thinks that it is fun to drive above the speed limit, a new driver may see this as an example to follow.

Being a safe driver is about responsibility and knowing your limits. If you are too tired, do not drive. Do not try and push yourself to stay up late in order to get somewhere, this will compromise your safety. Driver education needs to be expanded, and there should be easier access to extra driver education courses as well as driving instructors for people of all ages learning to drive. Distracted driving is a huge factor when it comes to driving accidents. To avoid this, make sure to not text and drive or be on a phone or similar device while driving. Set the playlist or radio station before you start driving so you won’t have to fiddle with it while on the road.

As a teenager with less driving experience than others, it is important to stay open to driving advice from adults. It is also important to call out a friend who is practicing unsafe driving habits or is a reckless driver. Even though it may be hard to have that conversation with a friend, it is better the friend is safe on the road. By politely suggesting better driving habits for friends and family members, I can help decrease their chances of being in a car accident. Safety while driving is the top priority, and following the driving guidelines will help make drivers and roads safer.