Educated, Aware, Alive

Educated, Aware, Alive

Most, if not all, car “accidents” are preventable. They might occur because drivers take their eyes off the road to check a text or choose to drive intoxicated. Many steps can be taken to reduce the number of driving-related deaths.

Drivers ed is one. New drivers may not realize how easy it is to cause a fatal accident, how risky it is to text and drive. Drivers ed can alert them to these dangers and help them develop strategies to avoid risky behaviors. It can also teach them their responsibility to practice safe driving behaviors that protect themselves and those around them.

Drivers ed is also valuable for experienced drivers, who know the risks of the road but may become complacent or lose their awareness of potential dangers. They may think that because they have been driving for a long time, they can do things like text and drive and still be safe. Drivers ed can remind them how quickly a collision can occur and the importance of safe driving behaviors.

Public awareness campaigns can also help reduce roadway deaths. Effective public awareness campaigns communicate specific messages to target behaviors such as distracted driving, failing to buckle up, and drunk driving.

Another way of reducing driving-related deaths is to design safer vehicles. As technology improves, vehicles are equipped with safety features such as sensors that can detect other cars when changing lanes or backing up. The continued use of these technologies helps prevent driving-related injuries and deaths.

I know, first-hand, just how dangerous driving can be. Last year, I was scheduled to perform as a guest with a community orchestra. My father was driving me, my mom, and my brother to the concert when he rear-ended a car in front of us. There was a loud crash and I was thrown forward, then wrenched back. My phone flew from my hand. My hair, which I had carefully arranged before leaving, was tossed about my face. Dazed, there was a lull before I realized what had happened. My mom suffered a serious bruise on her left knee that still limits her movement more than six months later. Our car was “totaled”, and we faced the unexpected monetary burden of buying a new one. Despite the consequences of the accident, it was much less serious than it could have been. This scary experience increased my commitment to safe driving because I realized how quickly and easily driving can become dangerous.

I can take many steps to be a better and safer driver. I minimize distractions while on the road, such as talking less to the others in the car with me. I also try to improve my defensive driving strategies such as being aware of my surroundings and road conditions, staying within the speed limit, and remaining calm. I can try to help others become safer on the road by talking to others about safe driving habits.