Stay Safe – Think and Drive!

Stay Alive – Think and Drive!

Annually, 1.35 million people die from road traffic crashes around the world. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teenagers. Both the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health have recognized motor vehicle crashes as public health emergencies and consider the issue one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20^th century. But how? Through proper education of new drivers and the institution of new laws to keep us safe on the roads.

Driver’s education is imperative in the fight to stop reckless driving. Parents and educators should focus on a handful of areas: driving with other passengers, not using seatbelts, distracted driving, drowsy driving, impaired driving, and overall driver inexperience. Proper education about how to drive safely has been shown to lower motor vehicle crash rates among young drivers. Installing safe habits in young drivers is the key to continued declining death and injury rates from motor vehicle crashes.

As we move into a new decade of technological advances, we cannot forget how important practical experience is for drivers. Many teens are choosing to take driver’s ed online out of convenience. Young, new drivers must learn how to make decisions behind the wheel with real consequences at stake. How far do you need to properly stop? When should you turn on your lights or high beams? Do you have time to make a turn at the proper speed? Are you driving above the speed limit? Are you driving too far below the speed limit? Are you mirrors positioned correctly? Are you aware of your surroundings and traffic while driving? These are just a few of the many questions new drivers must ask themselves in the heat of the moment, and these skills cannot be achieved through only an online course.

I have been lucky enough never to have been in a car accident or have a close loved one involved in a fatal accident. Unfortunately, we have all had our close calls. The times when there probably was not enough time and we made the turn, or we did not account for the rain or snow when trying to stop. Luckily, experience helps all of us learn not to make the same mistake twice when it could truly cost lives.

The first step to being a safer driver on the road is to assess what you are driving. Is your car fit to drive? Does it need important repairs? Are the tires inflated? Do you have gas? Do the lights and horn work properly? Can you use your turn signals? Does the car have enough oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid?

The second step includes evaluating yourself as the driver. Are you fit to drive? Are you intoxicated? Drunk? High? Sleepy? Hungry? Distracted? Are you allowed to drive? Are the mirrors in the correct position? Is your seat adjusted? Are your music settings set? Are you safely secured using a seatbelt? Am I driving with anyone? Do I know who will be in the car with me? Are your passengers secured and not distracting? Are you prepared to be responsible for the people in the vehicle you are driving? Do I know where I’m driving? Are you mentally and physically prepared to drive?

The third and final step to becoming a safer driver is to assess the road before, during, and after driving. What is the weather like? Is it sunny? Raining? Snowing? Icy? Are you driving through primarily city traffic? Highway traffic? A combination of both? Are others being safe around you? Are others driving the speed limit? Where are the surrounding cars? Where is the next turn? Where is the next stoplight or stop sign?

Assessing and evaluating the vehicle, yourself, and the road with these simple questions can help us all become better drivers. Coupled with proper driver’s education and experience motor vehicle crashes will plummet, and driving can be a safe activity for all.