Education That Can Save Your Life

Statistically speaking, you have probably already done the most dangerous thing you could do today: driving. The chances of being involved in a fatal accident is one in one hundred and three. Driver education is crucial in giving teens insight into driver safety and understanding the danger in the machine they operate. Driver education ensures that young people are aware of laws, and get practice behind the wheel with an instructor who has safety procedures in place. Vehicles are an excellent asset to have, but have to be utilized with great caution to avoid accidents and casualties. Avoiding distractions is one of the most important aspects of safe driving. Being on your phone, changing the radio station or eating are easy ways to become distracted. It is easy to become complacent about the dangers of driving when it is done frequently. While traveling at sixty miles per hour, you will have gone 380 feet in four seconds. Yes, that one text can, and has, caused accidents and deaths.

Another safety measure that could be implemented is requiring drivers to complete a continuing education course periodically. This class could maintain driver safety and remind adults that adolescents are not the only ones at risk for deadly collisions. It is also found that round abouts are less dangerous than traditional intersections and could reduce car accident tragedies if more were in place.

Ask yourself, do I know anyone that was affected by a car accident? Chances are, you probably answered yes. Unfortunately, my father has also been affected by an accident. Due to a negligent driver, my dad was struck on the driver side door by a vehicle while traveling nearly sixty miles per hour. Thankfully, he survived the incident; however, he sustained injury to his chest and back causing multiple broken ribs, and the vehicle was totaled. The driver failed to ensure lanes of travel were clear before proceeding past an intersection. It is simple errors that can lead to terrible life changing accidents.

Steps I can take to ensure my safety and the safety of those around me are, certifying my tires are aired properly, my mirrors are adjusted and that I have no reason to look at my phone. I often turn on the “Do Not Disturb” option on my phone to make sure I do not reach for my phone out of habit. Being a defensive driver is also an important precaution I take while on the road. I do not assume someone will stop at a red light like they should, or will not try to merge into oncoming traffic. When I am in the car with others, I can gently remind them that it is not a good idea to be looking at their phone or being distracted somehow. I will help them by texting someone for them so they can concentrate on driving or get something they were looking for in their car.

Modern day vehicles are much different than their original counterparts. The cabin of modern day vehicles have improved dramatically in luxury and comfort in the past 50 years. Oftentimes, these otherwise great innovations are encumbered by a false sense of security that comes with grandeur. The ornate interior of your vehicle may lull you into a state of inattentiveness and trust in your vehicle. Few things are more dangerous than a comfortable driver. Your vehicle can easily be fatal to you and others at all times, regardless of your prenotion of safety. Every time you enter a car, you run the risk of being involved in a potentially deadly automobile accident. Remain prepared, aware, and ready to make a split second decision at all times. Your life will depend on your ability to perform all of the above when you are surrounded by two thousand pounds of steel.