STAY SAFE! SAFE! SAFE!

There are several driver education requirements for new drivers that must stay in place for new drivers! In 2005 there were 43,000 deaths and in 2011 it had dropped to 32,000. It worries me that in 2012 we are already seeing an increase in driving deaths. I truly did not want to learn to drive. When I turned 15 my parents hauled me in to get my learner’s permit. I was scared! I did not want to have anything to do with driving. My dad bought me now 5 different new brand vehicles to entice me to learn to drive. I did not understand why I needed to learn to drive. They worked with me tirelessly the year I was 15 and learning to drive what I called the death mobile. I had heard to many horror stories about kids dying while driving. We certainly had more than one close call during my year of learning to drive. Thank goodness we made it without an accident. Another thorn in my side was the Joshua’s Law requirement. I was banging my head against the wall; I did not want to do these modules. My parents taught me to drive. I was sure there was nothing I was going to learn in Joshua’s Law, that would help me be a better and safer driver. I was very wrong. I learned a ton of information during the study sessions that my parents did not go over. We would discuss my daily modules over dinner. I think I even taught them a few things as well. I believe drivers education should be a requirement in high school during your freshmen year. I also think that Joshua’s Law is a must for all 14-year-old students. I believe everyone needs to not have a choice even if they do not plan to get a driving permit.

The steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving to me are very simple. People must stay off their phones. I know most drivers now have hands free devices but being on the phone and multitasking for some drivers is too much distraction. I am also a huge fan of seat belts. Why cannot car makers make their cars so they will not start if everyone in the seats are not buckled in. Our family friend lost her 16-year-old son because of that one thing. He had 2 passengers and they were both buckled in. The driver was not. He was speeding and ejected during the accident because he was not buckled in. He died almost instantly at the accident site. Both of his passengers that were buckled in came out of the accident without a scratch. Some people might think wearing their seat belt is a right to choose, however, I believe that it is my right as a driver on the road to have everyone buckled in.

I have never been in a car accident thank goodness. However, I have seen my Papa drink alcohol at dinner while we were out, and he drove us home. I remember I was 8 years old at the time and before we got up from the table, I asked him if he was okay to drive. I was 8 years old and recognized that he was drinking. My parents do not drink, and we were all riding with him. My Papa got offended with me that night while we were out as a family. I was 8 years old and I had seen too many commercials and things at school that taught me not to drink and drive. In my 8-year-old brain, I might die if I rode in the car with him. Of course, my parents would never allow me to be put in harms way and he had only 1 drink. He was not drunk in any means, but I will never forget that evening out.

There are several steps I can take personally to become a better and safer driver. I wear glasses and contacts and I can make sure I go and get my annual eye exam. In addition, I must have on either my glasses or my contacts in my eyes while driving. I will always wear my seat belt no matter what anyone else says or thinks. If my friends are riding with me, they too must wear their seat belt. I will not text and drive. I have navigation in my car, so my phone is inside my glove box as a requirement of my parents. I will never be the cell phone distracted driver. If I must use my phone, I will pull over and park with my car in park and handle my cell phone safely. I know many times when I am driving my friends around, they are silly and loud. I will just have to maintain focus and asked them not to be so silly while we are on the road. My parents say all the time I act like a 35-year-old driver. I always stay exactly what ever the posted miles per hour is posted on each section of road. I truly follow the posted laws and I know where they change. I believe they are posted to keep everyone safe not just me. I have always been a rule follower and I think the world would be a much safer place if all drivers would follow the posted signage too!