How Informing Can Lead to Saving

How Informing Can Lead to Saving

When it comes to getting behind the wheel, no one should be uninformed of things that could not only impact their safety but possibly one day, save their life. Driver education is crucial when it comes to reducing the number of driving deaths in the U.S. Between 2005-2012 driving deaths totaled between 30,000-45,000- that is more deaths suffered than those who were lost in the American Revolutionary War and the Korean War. By educating drivers of the risk and what they can do to prevent them we can shrink these odds dramatically and overall ensure the safety of the driver’s within the United States. Steps that can be taken to reduce these risks would be informing drivers of ways they can stay safe, for example when at the DMV driver’s could be issued pamphlets or booklets that explain where the general safety features of a car are, how those work in pertinent to an accident, and what to do if one is involved in an accident and how to ensure everyone’s safety.

Me and my family have personally been affected by reckless driving and in some instances more than once. When I was younger around 3 or 4, I and my siblings were all in my aunt’s car driving home from running a day of errands when a reckless driver hit us and knocked the car over on its side. Nobody died, fortunately, but my younger brother suffered a small concussion and my mom has been left traumatized to this day. She never learned to drive since that incident and is always incredibly still when driving with anybody, in fear that if she’s too loud she may distract them and cause another accident.

My aunt, who was in the previous accident, has been involved in several since then. She is who I believe in my life is a reckless driver who has suffered the consequences for it more than once. She has wrecked and destroyed numerous cars over her years and she and my mom have been involved in about 2-3 accidents when they were out casually running errands. She makes it a point not to drive at night and rarely drives for family vacations or road trips. Although I love and appreciate everything she has done for me and my family, I feel as though she is the cause of these accidents and I hope she becomes educated and aware of the effect her driving has on her and other people while she is on the road.

The steps I can take to become a better driver are obviously to pay attention when I’m on the road. Even if I’m in the car with multiple people, say- my friends, that is no excuse to get distracted and put everybody’s lives in danger. It only takes a split second for someone to get distracted and for an accident to occur. Reducing the number of distractions in the car could result in some’s life being saved. Another step I can take is routinely checking on my car to ensure everything is running smoothly. Most accidents happen not only due to human error but car function as well. A good driver means nothing if your brakes are loose and your airbag isn’t shooting out correctly. By getting my car checked out whenever I can- especially if I have an issue is only the responsible thing to do. And it’s the bare minimum I can do to ensure mine and every other driver’s safety when I’m out on the road. One final step I can take is to alert someone if I see something is visibly wrong with their car and be more patient when I notice it’s a student or possibly a new driver. Letting someone know that their tire is flat, the trunk is open, or something of that nature can benefit that person and perhaps prevent an accident that would be soon to come if you didn’t inform them.

These simple steps could save the lives of tens of millions. Things such as checking on your car, learning about risk at the DMV, and informing others when you notice something may be wrong can not only reduce the number of driving-related deaths in America but also allow for driving within the U.S to become safer and generate discussions were we can openly talk about these issues, how they have affected us and what we can do to prevent and reduce them.