Focus on Driving

FOCUS ON DRIVING

Driving is dangerous, but also necessary. Commuting can sometimes get too expensive , biking might take way too long, and walking is simply out of the question. But how do you drive safely? You can always control your own actions, but what about that of others? How do you reduce the risk of accidents and injuries while driving? The answer lies to a large extent, in Driver Education.

Educated drivers who are comfortable driving, no matter what the speed, are less likely to get in an accident than uneducated drivers. So how is it that if everyone is taught how to drive, the fatality rate in 2020 is still roughly 16,650 people? While educating people on safe driving is easy enough, having them actually follow through in accordance with rules has proven trickier.

Distracted driving has proved to be the number one cause of fatalities across the globe. Texting or talking on the phone while driving or applying makeup and driving being the biggest causes. Simple steps everyone can take to reduce fatalities on the road are to turn off their phone or put it on airplane mode to avoid getting calls or text messages while driving. If someone calls you, do not pick up the phone, or have a pre-recorded message saying you are driving and unable to take the call.

Pull over to a pit stop or other safe area to freshen up or apply makeup. Being alert and aware of your surroundings is another big factor. While driving, absolutely NOTHING should go unnoticed, because if a sign of importance is overlooked, your life and those of others around you, could be endangered.

The other causes of accidents are road rage, predominantly induced by stress and anger and super speeders. In the event you come across drivers with road rage, try to stay as far asway as possible from them and dial emergency services if they turn hostile. When you encounter a super speeder, someone who is driving rashly and well over the speed limit, slow down and let them pass . Moving into another lane will prevent them crashing into you at high speeds.

DUI or Driving under the influence is a definite NO NO!!! It can cause some serious accidents, with long lasting negative impacts. You can be pulled over in Georgia, for anything from a blood alcohol level of over 0.08% to possession and use of illegal and prescription drugs. It can lead to fines, jail time and difficulty finding employment in the future.

While I personally have not experienced a car accident, I understand that it can be a harrowing experience that’s best avoided, if and when possible. A car accident is dangerous enough from a physical standpoint, but the emotional toll it can have on people can be long term. Not everyone who gets in an accident is lucky enough to survive it.

One of the most important things to do is practice staying alert. If someone is talking to you while you are driving, make sure you stay focused on the road. Responding to passengers, can result in you losing your train of thought and cause an accident. It can also effect your decision making process and response time in the event of a crisis. While in the driver’s seat, FOCUS on driving!