Driving: Is it worth the risk?

Driving: Is it worth the risk?

Driving is now something that many people take for granted. They think of it as a right, rather than a privilege. Because of the careless mindsets of these drivers, there are tens of thousands of highway fatalities in the US alone. The tragic fact is that many of the highway fatality statics are greater than or comparable to the death tolls in some of the major wars in US history, such as the Vietnam War and the Revolutionary War. Therefore, there needs to be a change in the mindset of all of the drivers who take driving for granted. They need enlightenment on the death tolls of driving in the US and how the stats are applicable to them since many people will refuse to change their ways unless it is relatable to them. After they are informed on all of the stats and stories of driving, the careless driver may utilize the information and use it as an opportunity to improve their driving habits and mindset so that more lives can be spared on the road.

The first step would be to minimize distractions while behind the wheel. This means putting phones away from the driver’s visions so it becomes “out of sight, out of mind.” In my own experience, phones are very distracting and can make it easy for accidents to occur since the driver is multitasking between driving and doing something on the phone. Driving safely requires ALL of the driver’s attention – anything less than that is dangerous to the individual driving, as well as those driving around him/her. In addition to this, drivers should set rules for their friends when they are in the car. Some examples of this are not blasting music, no yelling/screaming, and no messing with the driver. As a teenager, I have witnessed passengers be very distracting to the driver, which could have put many people in grave danger. One personal step that would definitely help with lessening the death toll of driving is bringing back standard driving. As a person who learned to drive on a manual car, it is very rare for me to use my phone, eat, or partake in any distracting activities while driving stick. Normalizing manual shift cars would greatly help to lessen the issue of irresponsible driving.

Personally, I have never been in a serious car accident, nor do I know anyone who has been in one. But, I have been in and witnessed several close calls. Instead of hating on these bad drivers, they should be used as an opportunity to improve my own driving habits. As a fairly new licensed driver, there are many improvements that I should make in order to create a safe driving environment for myself and those around me. For starters, I have to know my destination and the route it takes to get there. Many people compromise their driving by forcing themselves into a crowded lane or slowing down abruptly in order to get to their destination. These actions cause a dangerous driving environment, especially for the other drivers who are already distracted. The other steps that need to be taken to become a better driver are following the driving laws, like driving in the speed limit and using the left lane as the fast/passing lane. If everyone chose to drive according to the law, there would be much fewer fatalities from driving. Once improving driving and following the road guidelines becomes a personal goal for all drivers, the road will be a much safer place for everyone.