Dangers of Driving

One of the leading causes of death is car accidents caused by careless drivers who otherwise don’t know the risk of what their actions can do. The purpose of driver education is to help create an awareness of the dangers driving possesses. The hope is that with more knowledge, people will be more self aware and alert while out on the road. With knowledge, people grow an understanding of what to expect while out on the road and learn just how dangerous it can be with carelessness.

There are many ways one can help to prevent reckless driving. One way is to be alert to everything around you and always expect the worse to happen. Don’t get distracted with frivolous things such as a simple text message. Nothing except emergencies is worth a glance away from the road. Another way is to be well rested before driving to prevent dozing and remain focus on the road ahead. Always obey all lights and signs and follow speed limits. Last, you want to be wary of bikers and pedestrians who may be more vulnerable to injury. Bettering your alertness for dangers may always help to prevent a serious situation.

I have not been in a car accident, but I did have a young distant cousin who was hit by a car. She was playing outside, chasing a ball that fell out of her hands and rolled onto the street. She didn’t see the car coming, nor did the driver see her on the road. The result ended with her death. My mom got the call after it happened. I remember going to their house in the fall one time a few years after, and I couldn’t help but think how different it seemed. Usually I spent my time with her, hanging out and playing with her toys, but it changed when she wasn’t there.

A few ways I could better myself on the road is probably to remove myself from the wheel. If I don’t drive, what harm can I cause? I could carpool more with someone I trust or take a different mode of transportation. If things are close by, I can use a bike and for longer distances, I could use a bus even though they can get costly. Otherwise, one thing I can do while at the wheel is to be more aware of my surroundings. I can shut off my phone completely and keep it out of reach where I won’t get easily distracted by it.

Driving is incredibly dangerous and easily takes the lives of unexpecting victims. Unfortunately, accidents are just a daily part of owning a car, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to prevent them. Learning the risks and stakes is a necessary key to keep drivers young and old safe. All it takes is a little awareness.