In The Driver Seat

Before someone can get their driver’s license, they have to take a written test to show they know the rules; and a test with an instructor that shows they know how to drive the car correctly. It seems that many forget the rules of the road after they pass that test. Drivers must know the dangers of reckless driving and how the choices they make when they get behind the wheel can impact someone else’s life. According to Business Insider, the number one cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Whether is be checking a text on your phone or applying make-up, looking away from the road for even a second can increase the risk of an accident.

My mom was in a three-car car accident because the person two cars behind her did not notice the traffic had slowed down. He was texting on his phone and caused a mini-van to smash into the back of her car on her way to work. She had to be in physical therapy for 6+ months and still has back problems that will be with her for the rest of her life.

It seems that everyone wants to focus on the physical impacts a car accident can have on someone but rarely talk about the mental ones. She slams on the breaks when someone is coming towards the car a little faster than we would expect. If there is a clip-on TV that plays the sound of crunching metal, we need to change the channel because it reminds her too much of the accident.

If there were more safety measures in the cars today and more driver training, this would not be my mom’s reality. If cars were compatible with all phone types instead of one, they could have more hands-free capabilities. Also, cars could have an eye sensor that recognizes when the driver is no longer looking at the road. The car can only do so much though. Accidents happen but when you are purposefully putting someone else’s life in danger, it is no longer an accident. Drivers believe that if the cops are no watching then they can get away with it. More drivers need to recognize that public safety is more important than anything. The most important life lesson that not only applies to driving is that being alert and paying attention can keep someone else’s family together.