The Impact and Prevention of Unsafe Driving

The Impact and Prevention of Unsafe Driving

By: Daphnee Brown

Driver education is important because it informs people on how to drive and why safe driving is important. I never took a driving course but my mom taught me how to drive as if I were in one. In every situation, she explained what the consequences would be if I didn’t drive safely such as speeding through a yellow light, tailing someone, or not fully stopping. I believe it is a significant part of why I have never been in an accident while driving and essential for others to learn. To reduce the amount of deaths related to driving, it is imperative to inform all drivers of these consequences. When I first started to drive, I clearly remember trying to run a yellow light because I felt I had time when in reality I did not. My mom shouted for me to stop and explained to me if I ran it, I could be in an accident and potentially lose not only my family but another. That hypothetical situation scared me and made me access yellow lights with caution. I feel it is assumed that drivers would make these connections but until it is explained and made clear, this problem won’t change. The first step would be to require a driving course that is required and free, to remain accessible by everyone, before acquiring a license. Within that course would be driving simulation, precautions, lessons over the consequences of unsafe driving, and even people to share their own experiences with unsafe driving.

For example in my personal experience, the last point has made a huge impact on my life. Last year, my older sister’s friend, who was like a sister to me, was in a drunk driving incident. She was crossing the street when an intoxicated driver ran a red light dragging her for a quarter mile beneath her car. She was in a coma for a week in critical condition and unfortunately didn’t make it. This loss shattered me and my family as we couldn’t believe that someone would and could do this. Now whenever I am at a social gathering, I make sure everyone not only has a safe ride home but understands how impactful drunk driving is. To prevent this, another possible step, would be to install an interlock, a device that measures blood alcohol concentration levels. This device stops the ignition from turning over if the driver’s BAC is not zero. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 there were 10,511 deaths due to drunk driving incidents and a death every 50 minutes because of drunk driving as well. If interlocks were required in every car, this number would be zero.

Safe driving is important and essential to prevent the loss of parents, siblings, extended family members and friends. I will remain cautious, focused and aware of my surroundings every time I am in a car. Although driving related deaths won’t be zero anytime soon, these steps can significantly decrease how many people die in car related deaths.