In the Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat by Sarah Shafer

Being a good driver is something everyone thinks they are. It’s difficult to comprehend how or why this is. Some base it on experience and therefore a teenager is automatically considered a bad driver. I tend to disagree wholeheartedly with that thought.

I was involved in an accident this year which was no fault of my own. I was stopped at a red light and rear ended by a woman in her eighties going 40 miles an hour. She stated she couldn’t see the red light because of the sun. The Department of Motor Vehicles mandates when a teenager is old enough to apply for their permit and road test in order to have a document allowing you to get behind the wheel of a car. I feel very strongly they should do the same when an adult reaches a certain age to be re-tested acknowledging if that person is still fit to be behind the wheel.

The importance of driver education is to null distracted driving. There are so many things that can distract someone regardless of their age. Everyone knows to not use their phone while driving but unfortunately too many people cannot restrain themselves; regardless of their age. Distraction is not only utilizing a cellular phone but listening to music, eating while driving, or even having a conversation with other passengers. Drivers need to remember the most important task at hand, DRIVING!

I believe steps to become a safe driver are taking the Defensive Driving Course that is offered. I wish it didn’t cost so much but now that it is available on-line it is more accommodating to drivers. I feel the course should include material to remind SUV or truck owners a reminder their vehicle is higher than normal. It is imperative when that type of vehicle is stopped at a red light or a stop sign, the driver must look around before continuing onward. One time, I saw a specialized, aka monster truck, stopped at a red light that was going to turn right. The driver did not see the bicycle that had approached the crosswalk and was going to cross. The driver began to turn and the bicycle went under the truck. This could have easily been avoided if the driver was a few feet in front of the crosswalk rather than right on top of it.

Safe driving consists of a lot more than all passengers wearing a seatbelt and the driver to not be distracted behind the wheel but also of the vehicle’s maintenance. All drivers should do a 360 degree walk around of their vehicle before driving. This includes a visual check to ensure the tires are inflated and the windows are clean with clear visibility. Perhaps drivers opt to no longer do this important process because so many vehicles are now equipped with backup cameras but this is still imperative to do. There are many times our windshields or back windows are not clean and then when the sun does glare down it can be blinding. If the woman who hit me did this check perhaps I would not have had my car considered a total loss!