In the Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat

By Bradley Sherwood

Driving is a big responsibility. Bigger than many people realize, in my opinion. Every day in the United States an average of 16,438 car accidents occur, and an average of 90 people a day are killed in these accidents (Widmer). I believe many people who drive take for granted the fact that they are operating a two-ton piece of machinery and, especially at high speeds, one small mistake can cost them and many others their lives. The question is this: how can driving become safer for everyone?

Driver education is probably the most imperative step for becoming a sensible and responsible driver. Not only does driver education help you become a safer driver by teaching you of road laws and regulations, but also informs you of how to maintain your vehicle, such as the meaning of different warning lights on the dashboard, how to change a tire, and how to check your oil level. Lots of practice driving with a learner’s permit is also a very important step in becoming a safe driver and driving with a good mentor is the best and safest way to learn. In the state of Virginia, a learner’s permit can be obtained from the DMV once you reach 15.5 years of age. Research shows that drivers with more experience, regardless of age, are safer on the road than brand new drivers who’ve only had in-class driver education (“Teen Drivers: Get the Facts”).

One thing that always tends to make me angry while driving is seeing people being completely oblivious to other drivers around them. It always amazes me how often I see people carelessly swerve in and out of lanes, inch forward into an intersection waiting on a red light, almost hit pedestrians walking on a crosswalk, or go 25 miles per hour over the speed limit. It’s almost as if they have no regard for human life at all. An average of 6 million automobile accidents occur every year in the United States. Over 37,000 people a year lose their lives in these accidents, equating to 90 accident related deaths a day. Globally, the leading cause of death among people ages 15 through 29 are automobile accidents (Widmer). This is why I believe awareness about reckless driving needs to be raised both in driver education and in the real world. Parents of young drivers need to teach their children how great of a responsibility they take on when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and how their reckless actions can have the potential to ruin many lives.

When I was younger, my mother was involved in a fairly serious highway accident. She was driving down a dangerous highway winding through the Santa Cruz Mountains in California on a rainy night when, while taking a sharp turn too fast she began to fishtail and ultimately lost control of her SUV. She proceeded to slam into a large rock wall, spinning several times and ending up in the middle of traffic. Luckily, the other drivers on the highway managed to stop in time, preventing further damage and collisions. I remember her telling me about the accident quite vividly, which is probably due to the fact that I felt so helpless and distraught while hearing how the accident happened. Although her vehicle was totaled, she fortunately walked away with no serious injuries. This incident serves to remind me of the risk we all take every day when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and that sometimes it’s a good idea to wait for better weather conditions before getting on the road.

Every time you get on the road, you should always drive defensively and do your best to be aware of everything that’s happening around you. Be aware of the road laws in your area and realize those laws are in place to protect both you and other drivers. I’m sure we’ve all heard the proverb “with great power comes great responsibility.” Realize how much power is in your hands and handle that power with responsibility.

Works Cited

“Teen Drivers: Get the Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Oct. 2019, www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html.

Widmer, Bill. “50+ Car Accident Statistics (Aug. 2020) // Auto Accident Deaths.” The Wandering RV, The Wandering RV, 1 Oct. 2020, www.thewanderingrv.com/car-accident-statistics/.