Importance of Responsible Driving

Driver’s education is very important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving because it teaches young teenagers the value and importance of safe driving. It has been statistically proven that teenagers who have completed driver’s education are less likely to be involved in accidents and violating traffic laws as compared to those who did not take driver’s education. This is because students in driver’s education are taught the significance of teen fatality rates in relation to driving. These statistics are critical for new teenage drivers to understand because it further validates the importance of responsible driving.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving on both micro and macro levels. Some micro steps that drivers can take on are to set good expectations for themselves. Drivers need to understand the importance of following safe and practical driving laws that are common factors in reducing accidents and fatalities. For example, drivers need to believe that speed limits exist with a purpose, and that exceeding this speed limit has significant risks that can lead to devasting results. Drivers need to set this example for themselves and believe that it needs to be followed because it betters their reaction time and necessary skills to prevent accidents. By upholding these personal expectations for oneself, these can therefore influence one’s social groups. Family members, friends, coworkers, etc. can observe these steps and become motivated to set those same goals for themselves. On a macro level, it is important for local governments to recognize the traffic hazards that cause many risk factors for drivers. For example, many roads are often under construction, and this in turn can create more hazards for drivers because of their unfamiliarity with the new road pattern. It is important for these routes to be clear and easily understood because many drivers doubt their safe driving skills. Often times, drivers will exceed far below the speed limit or frequently slam on their breaks. These are both common causes of car crashes, and if road conditions were clear of hazards and confusion, it would result in safer driving for all people.

I have never personally been in a car accident, and I am thankful to have family and friends that prioritize responsible driving. However, I do know of a few students at my university that have driven under the influence. Hearing these stories makes me feel a multitude of emotions – shock, anger, sadness, fear; however, the most important emotion I feel is concern. I am concerned that teenagers and young adults do not fully understand the significance of the risks they take by breaking driving laws. I am concerned that there are other people that will be harmed as a result from irresponsible driving. I am concerned that more people are going to experience losing a loved one due to irresponsible, reckless driving. I want all drivers, no matter their age, to look at the statistic of fatal accidents and how they were caused. I hope that this type of self-education will motivate driver to follow proper steps towards responsible driving.

One step that I take as a safe driver is to never use my phone when I am driving. I know the risks and statistics of texting and driving, and I want to minimize as many distractions as I can. Another step that I follow to help others be safe on the road is that I do not begin driving unless all my passengers are wearing a seatbelt. I have noticed that many passengers are forgetful or careless about their seatbelt, and I believe that wearing a seatbelt has a significant effect on decreasing an individual’s injuries if they do experience a car accident. Most of my passengers comply when I ask them to put on their seatbelt, but many do try to argue with me. When this happens, I simply inform them of the heightened risks this creates and the multiple purposes of a seatbelt. By educating my passengers about these aspects, they always put their seatbelt and agree with the points I made.