Safety on the Road

Safety on the Road

By Kaleia Sandbeck

Having a safe driving attitude is very important for all drivers. This is because all drivers make choices while they drive, and driving choices have consequences.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One step would be to complete drivers education. In fact, drivers education is very important when it comes to reducing the number of deaths while driving. Drivers education teaches many steps and also teaches defensive driving techniques. It also helps students develop proper driving habits that help reduce the number of deaths related to driving. As a matter of fact, drivers education teaches many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Never drive while being impaired by alcohol or drugs, always follow the speed limit, and never believe that you could never be in a car accident are all steps to take to help reduce death rates related to driving. Keep in mind that even medication prescribed by your doctor can impair your ability to drive and that even one drink will affect your ability to drive safely. It is also safe to drive at the recommended speed limit. However, you should always consider the conditions. For example, it is important to determine a safe driving speed based on weather and road conditions. Your mindset should be that accidents could happen to anyone. Make your safety your only concern and your top priority.

Unfortunately, I have been in a situation where I’ve seen a couple of my family members suffer the consequences of irresponsible driving. My cousin, who was only 21 years old, died in a car crash. He was driving at a high rate of speed and eventually lost control of the car and crashed into a wall. The car was completely wrecked and he had to be cut out of the vehicle with a hydraulic tool. He was in awfully bad condition and was immediately flown to the hospital. He went into surgery as soon as he arrived at the hospital. We were told that he had a broken pelvis, dislocated shoulder and a broken tibia. The crash had also done major damage to his brain as well. Even if he woke up, his life would have been severely compromised because of the extent of his injuries. We were advised that he would most likely be paralyzed only on the right side of his body and have issues speaking and interpreting words. If he was to wake up, he would never be able to live life independently, and he would have required care for the rest of his life. It wasn’t too long after the accident when my cousin was getting tired of fighting. Unfortunately his injuries were too much for his body and my loving cousin passed away. The death of him taught our family and friends a very big lesson. In fact, the passing of my cousin is one of the most meaningful experiences that has helped shape me for my future, and overall, life. His life ended so shortly and it made me think about reality and made me realize my own mortality. His death made me think about my future and made me want to prepare and take advantage of a good life.

I also have an aunt who has shared her story of driving irresponsibly with me. One night, my aunt and uncle went out to the casino for the night and my uncle decided to drink, making my aunt the designated driver to go home. However, my aunt decided to have one drink, thinking that she would be okay to drive home. On the drive on the way home, my uncle felt sick in the car so my aunt pulled over to the side of the road to make sure he was okay. Coincidentally, a cop drove by to check on them both. The cop decided to give my aunt a sobriety test. She told me she had to walk in a straight line, put her finger to her nose, and also balance on one leg. Passing those field of sobriety tests, she did not pass the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) test. As a result, she was arrested and had to deal with many more consequences. She said she had to go to court, go to classes and she also couldn’t drive for a long period of time. My aunt told me this story in tears. She regrets that night and she wishes that she never had that one drink. She told me that I should use her story and take it as a lesson, which I have. I’ve learned to never drink and drive, and if you do drink and drive, there are also other options to avoid reckless driving. For example, you can call an uber, taxi or even a close friend to give you a ride. Even if you feel okay to drive, never risk taking your own or even someone else’s life.

There are many steps that you can take to become a better and safer driver. For example, having no distractions, buckling your seatbelt, and keeping a safe distance from other cars are great ways to become a safer driver.

Having no distractions means to forget about your phone. Although it may seem like a very simple task to do, it is very hard for some people. In fact, cell phone use while driving has caused so many vehicle crashes over the years. No distractions also means no eating or drinking while driving either. Being distracted while driving will decrease your awareness on the road, which leads to more car crashes.

The driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt while on the road. Seatbelts were created to keep everybody in the car safe. They prevent you from being thrown from the car and they protect you from injuries.

Keeping a safe distance from other cars is another great way of practicing defensive driving. Getting too close to other cars around you on the road is never a good idea. Doing this will help you see more around you, and you will also have more room to act quickly if necessary.

Overall, car accidents and deaths can be prevented if people followed the proper steps to being better and safer drivers. We can also learn from other people’s situations so that we don’t repeat it again in the future. It is important to know the steps to reduce the number of deaths and accidents while driving. We must be safe and make the best choices on the roads for your safety and others.