The Importance of Safe Driving

Natalia Prandini

28 October 2020

The Importance of Safe Driving

Driving in a precocious matter impacts your life and the life of others. In an article published by Policy Advice it states that 1.35 million people in the world die each year in a car wreck indicating 3,700 deaths a day. “Car crashes have risen to the 8th leading cause of death for people globally”. (Sandeep 2020) Knowing how to properly drive and getting the education you need to conduct a vehicle is principal to reduce these deaths. Most of these deaths are caused by people who drink, text and drive, or that don’t have their seatbelts fastened correctly. A majority of teens that get in accidents forget to put on their seatbelts which impacts them harder once they get into a car wreck because they aren’t taking precautions. Having both eyes on the road at all times to stay alert of your surroundings can help you be aware of the oncoming cars or people who are speeding past you. A safety precaution to take is don’t text and drive your life is more important than a text that can be answered when you are somewhere safe and parked. Statistics show cellphone users are 5.36 times more likely to get in a car accident than other drivers. In addition, never get in a vehicle if you have consumed alcohol make sure you always have a designated driver that will take you home safely. An article posted by The Zebra states that 29 people each day die in a car accident involved with a drunk driver. Another step you can take to avoid car accidents is to drive at the speed limit that is indicated. Make sure to follow the 3-4 second rule that makes sure you have a gap in between you and the car in front. The way to follow this rule is by slowing down and increasing the following distance between you and the car in front. Fatigue is also a cause of car accidents, fatigue mostly impacts drivers who drive long distances and don’t get enough shut eye. To avoid fatigue while driving make sure that if you are going a long distance you have another driver available so you can rest, use the rest stops that are provided along roads they are there for a reason. Lastly, make sure you have your license and are old enough to actually drive because it is a big part of conducting a vehicle. People who conduct vehicles without having a license can most likely get into a car crash because they haven’t taken the required tests that indicate they are a safe driver. I personally have been in a car accident but I wasn’t the one conducting the vehicle. Thankfully I am okay and the driver was too because we took the precautions of wearing our seatbelts at all times. I would advise others to be aware that everyone has somewhere to be just as you do, so if others can follow the law and drive responsibly you can too.