Driving the Safe Way

Driving has proven to be a growing cause of deaths in the United States with numbers easily passing those of soldiers we have lost in combat overseas. Something needs to be done so as a country we can feel safer about getting on the road once again.

Considering driving accidents are more likely to occur in the first few years of people getting their licenses, sixteen to eighteen, divers education has proved itself to be a very reliable tool in preventing driving related deaths. Accidents can occur from the smallest of factors so educating first year drivers is essential. Most car accidents can be prevented with basic tactics that are enforced in drivers education like simply, using a seat belt, following the correct speed limit, and even making sure your car is in proper conditions for driving. With more education, the better prepared our drivers can be. The driver then has more experience and is then exposed to multiple different scenarios, thus making more alert drivers. More deaths can be prevented if drivers always consider themselves to be on defense because one does not know what other drivers on the road will do.

While driver’s education is a greatly effective device in preventing accidents at an earlier age, there is not really anything like that for people who have been driving for multiple years. Taking defensive driving is perhaps the next closest thing to any driver’s education for longtime drivers. Some first steps to hopefully decrease the number of deaths would be to start implicating a refresher course of drivers education every few years to keep drivers safe. The course would need to be required along with getting your driver’s license renewed. This course should be very similar to the same driver’s education that is taught when first acquiring the license but not as long in length and perhaps more emphasis on the entire course. Implicating this course will hopefully remind drivers to stay alert at all times and can keep the driving death numbers to a minimum.

Unfortunately, I know the experience of driving related accidents and deaths all too well. One of the most memorable being when I was thirteen. In our school district, older students in middle school have the opportunity to be “student aides” for teachers on both the elementary and middle school campuses. For me, I chose to assist in the elementary office, running errands, delivering notes, and interacting with kids. I personally grew close to a little girl in the fourth grade whom I spent a lot of time with. She did not have many friends and often got picked on by other kids in her grade so I was always happy to see her face light up when I would go to pick her up and take her to her mom at the end of the day. As we walked together to the front of the school we talked about her plans for the weekend. She was going to visit her dad. She gave me a hug, waved goodbye, and said “I’ll see you on Monday, Sawyer,” and that was the last time I would see her face. The next day I received news about her. On her way to her dad’s house, a car on the other side of the road tried to pass another, in a no passing zone, hitting my friend and her mother head on. She passed away upon impact.

Basic steps can improve road safety and prevent stories like mine from happening. Following the rules of the road like watching your speed, not passing someone until it is allowed, and always be aware of your surroundings. Driving can also be improved within yourself. Never drive while you are tired or drowsy and make sure you can always be alert. Ditching any distractions will improve your driving skills dramatically. Never text and drive and if you need to eat, either pullover or find a safe place to do so. If everyone does their part, driving related deaths can decline dramatically and everyone can feel safer about putting their loved ones and themselves on the road.