The Importance of Safe Drivers

Victoria Murphy

The Importance Of Safe Drivers

Learning safe driving is an important part of developing a safe community. Driver education, especially early on in teenage years, is vital to reducing car related deaths. Learning how to drive safely from qualified teachers and instructors, makes new drivers more confident, and more aware of the rules of the road and how to get from one location to another without inflicting harm on themselves or others. Through driver’s education courses, new drivers are taught how to safely drive in most situations, such as driving on the freeway, driving in inclement weather, driving in urban areas, as well as learning what to do in an emergency situation. Each of these learned skills is important to driver safety. In fact, many insurance companies will actually credit drivers who participate in driver’s education courses.

The steps that can be taken to reduce deaths related to driving are making sure that before one gets their license, they are fully aware of the responsibility they are taking. Simple acts of wearing a seatbelt, obeying all speed limits and road signs, adjusting mirrors and seats before moving the vehicle, are all ways to reduce possible emergency situations. Also, another step would be to stress the severity of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Being attentive and driving responsibly may not be possible if driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which increases the risk of an accident. In addition, the use of cell phones or other distractions may increase the possibility of an accident resulting in injury or death. Learning that a text or phone call can wait until the driver is stopped, and in a safe location, is a must. I also believe that along with teens taking a safe driving course, there should be another short course for when adults have to get their license renewed, just to ensure overall safety on the roads, regardless of age or experience.

Although I have never been in a car accident myself, I have had a friend who experienced a rollover car accident while simply driving to the mall, and my mother driving home from work, who has been seriously hurt due to another driving failing to stop at a stop sign. These incidents opened my eyes to the true importance of safe driving, so that no one gets hurt.

As for myself, I can become a safer driver by always being aware of my surroundings, never playing my music too loud or having any other distractions. Another way I can be a better and safer driver is by remembering simple tips such as giving my itinerary a loved one so that they know where I am going, and when I should safely be there, or remembering to carry important contact numbers that I may need if a situation arises. Being a safer driver means to leave early, giving myself plenty of time, so I am not tempted to speed. Finally, since I live in a northern area, where we have plenty of snow and ice, I can make sure to always pack an extra blanket and supplies with me, in case of an emergency. This might help me at some point, or I would have the supplies to help someone else in need. By doing this, I hope I can have an influence on my peers to follow, which will hopefully lead to a better, safer community.