Safe Hands on the Wheel

Safe Hands on the Wheel

Each year high schools around the world enroll their students into the Driver’s Education Program with the hopes of teaching them the rights and the wrongs of the road. Within this course, the rules of the road, courtesies of friendly driving, and safety measures are taught in hopes of creating the knowledge needed to be a safe driver on the road. Over the years, it has been proven that not only does the Driver’s Ed Programs teach the components of the law, but it teaches valuable lessons that form the foundation to life skills that can be used everyday. These skills consist of, but are not limited to; respect, time management, responsibility, accountability, trustworthiness, and safety. Of the listed skills, most are used while on the road and carry into one’s everyday lifestyle without hesitation. These are all qualities that are taught in the classroom while partaking in a Driver’s Ed course.

Although scary, most people can describe an uneasy situation where they have come into close proximity to colliding with another vehicle, on coming traffic, or have witnessed an almost-accident. In the moments immediately following an instance as such, people tend to fall into a state of panic and shock. This is the fight or flight that is released when adrenaline is pumped through the body vigorously. Avoiding moments that were examples, are evidently something that everyone can agree on. Some ways to prevent these stomach wrenching moments include minimizing distractions before putting the car in gear. Such actions can include using a cell phone, changing the radio station, and taking one’s eyes off of the road to open the glove box or reach for an item in the back seat. These tasks should be done prior to moving the vehicle instead of as the vehicle is in motion. Safety measures that should always take place before driving also consist of adjusting any mirrors, seats and temperature gauges. Having two hands on the wheel at all times and keeping your eyes on the road are some of the most crucial safety measures one should take. Do not assume that other people at an intersection have a stop sign, look both ways before crossing an intersection, keep your speed at a reasonable pace, and look in the appropriate mirrors before merging into another lane. Small or large, these factors are important to keep in mind when driving.

Inclement weather can be a causing factor in a lot of accidents and collisions. To minimize being at risk make sure your lights are always on at night and whenever it’s raining or when fog is present; day or night. Going slower when it is raining or snowing is also essential because roads are covered in flood water or black ice and hydroplaning can increase during those times. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Do not underestimate the amount of time needed to break safely from the car in front of you. Ensuring the seatbelts are fastened correctly with the belt over you and any passenger’s shoulders and hips is a safety precaution that should always be taken seriously. Make sure to come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Use signaling when switching lanes and maneuvering to avoid swiping another car. You are the only person you should be trusting. All drivers are human and make mistakes everyday. Error on the side of caution to keep everyone in your vehicle and the vehicles around you safe.