Be a Good Example

Be a Good Example

Anything that involves the possibility of negatively impacting people’s lives must be taught in a classroom, whether it be becoming a doctor, a politician or even the most mundane things like learning to drive. In the driver’s education program the class shows videos and articles on what happens if rules are not followed. They grab a hold of people’s emotions and teach them that protecting lives means following rules. Texting and driving along with driving under the influence are the top causes of car accidents. These people who are first-handedly responsible for any devastation resulting from distracted driving are the only people who can make a real change in the world of driving. Having an education that brings awareness to these facts and shows the consequences is dire to the future of safety on the roads.

When I was 8 years old, I was in a head-on car accident. The driver of the other car was texting and swerved across the middle line into our lane. I ended up breaking my eye orbit and to this day I still have some issues with that eye. It is one of the most significant events of my life so far. I am so aghast as to how someone could be so selfish to believe that responding to someone’s text is more important than keeping those around them safe. Since that day I began to chastise even my parents for using their phones while driving. I always demand that they give their phone to me if a text needs to be sent or directions need to be pulled up.

My father is a businessman who has frequent conference calls and travels a lot. He often has these conference calls while in the car driving 6+ hours. He uses his bluetooth headphones which is one step safer than holding the phone, but there is still the sense of distraction between driving and listening to the conference call; double tasking is not possible. Yet, many new cars have voice activated texting and calling, allowing for a hands-free experience. However, like I said, you cannot focus on two things at once. Technology companies are definitely working on advancing technologies to become safer and conform to the needs of the advancing world but making it safe is only allowing people to believe that its now ok to use phones while driving.

On top of texting and driving is the issue of drunk driving. Friday night bar crawls and Saturday night parties are so common in this world. People drive to house parties and bars all over. Yet as soon as they get intoxicated, the ability to make the right decisions is hindered and people think they are sober enough to drive. These are when the accidents happen; life threatening ones at that. The brain is temporarily impared and focus is lost. There are so many opportunities for these people to use like Uber and Lyft so they don’t have to worry about driving themselves. But as soon as they become disoriented, they can’t make the proper decision to just be driven home by someone else. I have heard of bars that take people’s keys if they believe they are not sober enough to drive, but why doesn’t everyone do that? It’s a start to prevent deaths on the road due to carelessness.

Overall, the issue of car accidents is primarily based on people’s irresponsibility. People need to begin asking themselves “What can I do to make this world a safer place? Where can I start?” Well you can start by protecting the roads from irresponsible adults who should be out there setting an example for the future generations. Start by turning your phone to Do Not Disturb when driving. Let a passenger use your phone for you. Consider who you are texting at all times. Could they be driving? Can it wait? When Friday night comes, determine a designated driver who will be responsible enough to not drink. Better yet, have someone drop you off and pick you up. Don’t drive there yourself. There are so many things that we can do to prevent accidents on the road. There are so many small things that can help save the lives of innocent people. So, take action, be aware, and be responsible. You are setting an example to the future of this world. Be a good example.