In the Drivers Seat

In
the Drivers Seat

It
is common for youth, upon turning sixteen, to be granted their
temporary licenses. They hop into their car, or parent’s car, and
naively navigate the roads. However, in many cases, their knowledge
surrounding the dangers of the road are underestimated. Sadly, this
miscalculated perception surrounding the risks of the road extend
beyond our youth and is held among many adults as well. Getting
behind the wheel is a decision that carries a great amount of risk.
Therefore, it is vital that drivers are aware of the dangers
associated with driving before traveling on the road.

Unfortunately,
statistics offered through NHTSA indicate that driving is more
dangerous than engaging in combat. In 2012 alone, the United States
reported deaths equivalent to the rates that occurred during the
Korean War. In one scenario, you are consciously entering a combat
zone with a great likelihood of injury or death in your pursuit to
overcome the enemy. Conversely, in the other scenario you are getting
behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle to travel to your destination
and presumably arrive safely. The death rates for these two scenarios
would ideally not be the same.

Thorough
drivers ed can have a profound impact on mitigating the number
of deaths associated with driving. By supplementing a driver’s
education with videos, statistics, photos, and testimonials related
to the risks associated with driving, drivers will likely grasp a
greater understanding on the reality surrounding the activity. With
this acquired realistic perception of the dangers, drivers will
anticipatingly navigate the road greater caution, mindfulness, and
defensiveness.

Increased
awareness on the dangers of driving is just one of the methods that
can be implemented in attempt to reduce the number of deaths on the
road. Additional measures such as enforcing stricter driver
negligence laws, requiring annual checkups to determine drivers
physical and mental ability to operate a vehicle, as well enabling
vehicles with the latest road safety technology. Although the dangers
of the road will still exist, through enactment of these mentioned
methods, we may reduce fatalities associated with driving.

I
have experienced the dangers of the road on a personal level. My
mother had been driving to the Christmas lightshow, with my family
and myself in the car, when were side swiped by on oncoming vehicle.
It was an alarming experience that left my mother slightly
traumatized. Furthermore, on numerous occasions I have witnessed
others driving recklessly. Examples include my brother texting and
driving, my girlfriend attempting to apply makeup while at the wheel,
my father talking on the phone, as well as some of my friends driving
under the influence.

The
necessary steps that I can take to reduce the dangers of driving are
to bring awareness to realistic dangers associated with operating a
vehicle. Getting behind the wheel is a choice that should be taken
responsibly. When this is achieved, hopefully then our roadways will
not exemplify a combat zone.