Safety Behind the Wheel

Each year thousands of people in America die, not from natural causes but from vehicular accidents. This makes the roads in America more dangerous than being in a combat area. However, we do not necessarily fear being on the road as much as being an American soldier.

Driving on American roads requires knowledge, skill, and trust. We have many signs and signals to acknowledge for the safety of ourselves and others. Unfortunately, these signs and signals are not always seen as our attention is diverted to other activities such as texting, singing, and talking to our passengers. We as drivers choose to participate in such dangerous activities that endanger ourselves and others which breaks the subconscious bond of trust, we instill in each other.

As a nation we can take preventive steps. Using resources to benefit young drivers such as driver’s education, which teaches young, easily molded minds the rights and wrongs. This, however, can only go so far. Parents and other influential individuals need to practice safe driving; they should not use hand-held devices, keep eyes on the road, keep hands on the wheels, and follow the directions of signs and signals. We should also treat vehicles as dangerous weapons and not toys. Many think that drag racing and making risky maneuvers on the road is something to use for fun and games. If we drive properly, we can enjoy other fun or even use these skills on a real drag strip. Avoiding high injury accidents and the loss of a valued life. Our education and practice in these habits can protect us and others from the harm that cars can do.

As a passenger, anyone can also make a difference. When a driver practices unsafe habits while behind the wheel they can try to correct and inform the driver of what is safe for them. A passenger also has the power to say, “I am not going to ride with you,” because of the driver’s unsafe habits. This will push someone to practice safer habits to have a friend or loved one drive with them again.

Driving safe would save more lives than surrendering from war. We should always remember we have the power to change the habits of others and make driving safer for everyone on the road. If we think of our safety first, we can and will achieve this.