A New Beginning on the Road

It is something you never think will happen to you. Despite the number of deaths caused by driving incidents averaging a whopping 34,000 a year, you never see yourself as someone that could be part of that statistic. At least that is what I thought until I lost my uncle in a single vehicle crash. He was driving late at night, fell asleep at the wheel, and drove off of the road. My uncle was one of the most caring, loving, and genuine people I had ever known and he vanished as a result of being behind the wheel. Sharing his story is hard for my family but necessary in order to advocate for safe driving, especially as my brother and I learn to drive. Educating drivers, young and old, is crucial in reducing the amount of fatalities caused by automobile crashes. In just one year, we can lose more American lives this way than we lost in the Korean War, which spanned three years. If these people took the time to become properly educated on the ins and outs of driving, the number could be greatly reduced.

Many people my age take defensive driver courses just to get our licenses and take drivers education classes with the sole purpose of getting our senior licenses before we turn eighteen. However, these courses teach valuable lessons that could attest to saving lives and heightened driving skills. Without taking courses like these, drivers may not have the knowledge necessary to allow them to react defensively when in situations where their lives are at stake. Before taking classes to educate drivers, they could be like me. Naive and clueless to the dangers of driving and the statistics that follow inadequacy behind the wheel. These courses should not induce fear, but promote courage. With practice navigating highways, intersections, rotary circles, and every day traffic situations, students will be able to drive confidently and safely, with their knowledge of automobile safety.

With the expansion of cell phones in the hands of drivers, distracted driving is starting to peak. Glancing down to check a text message or phone call can cause someone to miss crucial traffic clues such as the brake lights of the car ahead of them, a crossing pedestrian, or a hidden stop sign. The iridescent screen captures the attention of so many and causes them to lose sight of the stakes at hand, their lives and the lives of those around them. When driving, it is important to put your phone face down on the seat next to you or have a passenger read you the messages if they are of importance. The use of alcohol and drugs before or during driving should never be an option for a driver of any age. With a delay in cognitive ability, your driving skills are greatly hindered. This puts you and others at risk. It should be widely advertised that there is always another alternative to driving under the influence. Teenagers are usually apprehensive about telling their parents or a loved one they are not in a state to operate a car and they need a ride. However, the slight burst of anger will definitely be followed by a wave of relief that they made the right choice and are home safely. Lastly, the factor that hits hardest with me in night time driving. This is something that is not talked about as much as the cell phones and drugs but is something that takes lives behind the wheel. It is important to make sure your mind is clear and focused while driving. This does not only mean that you are free from any hindering substances but also you are awake and can remain awake for the duration of the ride. Once again, no one will be angry if you call to admit you are not in the right headspace to drive.

Speaking up about safety behind the wheel will prevent so many accidents and fatalities. Advocacy for clear-minded driving is one thing but practicing what is preached is what will keep Americans safe while they navigate the winding roads of life.