The Importance of Safe Driving

The Importance of Safe Driving

Having control over a 4,000 pound machine is an enormous responsibility. It is important to know how to handle a vehicle and what can be done to prevent accidents. Driver education is an essential tool that can help reduce the amount of deaths from driving accidents. Driver education courses can be easily taken by anyone who is learning to drive. These courses teach basic maintenance of a vehicle, how to prevent crashes, and what to do if a crash does occur. Staying a safe distance from other cars and what to do if hydroplaning are topics also emphasized in most courses. These subjects can help prevent real life accidents that happen because of slick roads and tail-gating.

Reducing the number of car crashes and fatalities can be a difficult task, but small steps can be taken to help. When driving, one should always pay close attention to road conditions and surroundings. It is best to look as far ahead as possible at the road in front of you in case there is something upcoming that could cause an accident. It is also important to follow traffic laws. Stopping at stop signs, using turning signals, and following the speed limit are some easy, but highly important things any driver can do. Drivers should also always be aware of other drivers and their behaviors on the road. If a person is driving erratically it is best to stay away from the other vehicle, and possibly call 911 to alert the authorities about a possible hazard.

Thankfully, I have never personally been in a car accident. However, I have witnessed several crashes. The worst accident I have ever seen was after a soccer game as I was walking out of a restaurant. Everyone was saying goodbye and heading to their cars when an impact and explosive sound was heard. We all turned and saw two cars that collided in an intersection. One car had completely spun in the other direction while the other started to catch fire. Glass and parts of the cars were spread all throughout the intersection. Onlookers watched while others tried to open the doors of the burning vehicle to get the passengers out and safe. Unfortunately, no one could get the doors open, not even the firefighters. It was a heart wrenching site. I later found out that the passengers died upon impact and that the driver in the other vehicle will most likely be in jail for the rest of his life for exceeding the speed limit by 50 miles per hour, driving under the influence and causing the death of the other two people involved. I learned a valuable lesson from witnessing this scene. If following traffic laws and being a safe driver will protect myself and others, then I will never jeopardize that.

Many measures can be taken in order to prevent wrecks and car related deaths, so it is essential that all drivers follow safe driving practices and start their driving careers off on a good foot with drivers’ education courses. With this in mind, I personally do many things to be a safer driver. I always buckle up and make sure anyone riding in my car is also buckled. I never go over the speed limit, even if I am in a rush, because I realize the danger of speeding is not worth being a little late to my destination. I never drive intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It would be extremely irresponsible and dangerous to do so, because while intoxicated you do not function correctly and therefore can not drive safely. Lastly, I never get on my phone while I drive because a text is not worth a life. Prior to getting my permit and license, I also participated in a local drivers’ education course. Although not a 100% guarantee of accident free driving, all of these measures increase the likelihood of a safe driving experience for myself, my passengers and other drivers while I’m on the road.