Wheel of (Mis)fortunes

Wheel of (Mis)Fortunes

By: Niccalis Cruz

Years pass with different age groups and diversities that go behind the wheel and buckle up to ensure safety for those who are present in the vehicle. Most of the time driver’s tend to make “alternatives” when driving a vehicle such as: Not wearing a seatbelt, looking at text messages, driving under the influence, etc. These issues are leading causes of nationwide fatalities ranging from +40,000 in 2005 all the way to the decline of 2012’s nationwide fatalities of +30,000 drivers and passengers. “Why the decline, you ask?” Drivers every year are highly informed and educated thoroughly about highway safety and proper driving etiquette.

The chances now for drivers to experience a fatal accident, has decreased greatly from 2005 to 2020 with only 16,650 motor vehicle related fatalities. A greater decline over the years with more people being educated and careful on the road but, unfortunately the fatalities are still high. Either by ignorance or misfortune, some causes are inevitable whether it’s the vehicle or driver’s fault. Drivers education has improved over time and has reduced the amount of accidents within the span of nearly a decade.

The steps to decrease any accidents or fatalities on the road is for one buckle your seatbelt, Turn your phone off or to “Do not disturb.” Test if lights and other functions are operating properly. Check mirrors to view your surroundings. Follow the traffic laws and signs. These steps are to ensure the safety of yourself and others that may be with you. Keep in mind the road ahead of you, don’t act too confident and don’t be too afraid. The experiences on the road will differ with more practice behind the wheel.

I have been in accidents myself with family members, a recent one, my father, brothers, and I were driving back home from Seattle. As we were on the highway, a car came upon behind us and rammed into us nearly, losing control of the car my father pressed on the brakes and made it over to the shoulder of the road. No one was hurt just sore from the impact of the car. With the woman who rammed into us, she, according to my father, told me that she passed out and fell asleep behind the wheel. Later that day we ended up getting the car towed and getting a rental car.

What I remember being on the road is to make sure you’re well rested and sober to drive. Those are the key factors for driving safely and legally on the road without causing an accident and harming a life. Limit little to no distractions on the road, this will prevent accidents occurring in the long run and also try not to drive emotionally. (Angry, Sad, Excited, Etc.) With these emotions they too can act as a distraction to yourself and cause an accident within the driver’s manual it’s said to take some time away from the road till you calm down.

By abiding by these traffic basics and laws you can help prevent accidents and help protect other’s loved ones and yourself.