Safety Saves Lives

Safety Saves Lives

By Sabrina E. Ochoa

• What is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?

It is important to know the statistics of how many people die because of the result of dangerous driving. When I saw the statistics I wanted to make sure I wasn’t a part of them so I strive to make sure that I am careful and alert when I am driving. I feel as though if the drivers knew about the extent of reckless driving that they might try to safely drive and not become like many other drivers who lost their lives or got seriously injured because of un-safe driving.

• What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

The driver could make sure he/she has a driving buddy who makes sure they don’t drink, drink responsibly, or medicate before driving. The host can make sure to provide a taxi service number, coordinate a Lift or Uber service, or have a designated driver for anyone who needs a ride. If I were in a situation that I was with someone who couldn’t drive I would take them under my wing and if neither of us could drive then I would ask to stay the night wherever I was if it was possible and if necessary sleep in the car.

• Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

The only accident that I had ever been in myself wasn’t a major one. My family and I were in Modesto going to the farmer’s market. At the time I was fourteen and my brother was around ten. Hundreds upon hundreds would go to that farmer market just to walk around, buy products, or meet with family. That Saturday we had nothing to do so we decided to go. When we were a couple blocks from the market we were stuck in the line at the light. Cars were all around us the traffic was not moving much it didn’t affect my family because we were used to the traffic. While we were waiting at the light we suddenly were lurched forward as the truck behind us rear-ended us. After we were hit, my brother started crying and we pulled over to the side of the road along with the other driver. When we were parked my mother looked behind to the back seats to ask us if we were okay. I had responded “I’m okay,” while my brother was trying to be comforted by my mother. While she was distracted I had let out a couple tears of my own before I was completely okay. We found out the driver who hit us was distracted because he was trying to pick up a take-out container that fell on the passenger side and he lifted his foot off the break. Since then I haven’t been in another accident and I honestly don’t plan on being in another. I have lost a friend in a car accident and my father has been in one but came out without major injures. I can’t even describe the pain that comes with losing someone and I pray it doesn’t happen again.

• What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

When I drive people or just by myself I try to be a role model and hope that it influences whoever is in the car with me to drive safely as well. Whenever there is someone in a car with you they are watching and learning how you drive. Kids who have permits or first getting their permit do this the most. I myself have done this with my parents. Observing is a big role of how people start to drive. I leave my phone in my pocket or ask a passenger to answer it, and I always try to drive with as much safety as I can muster. In driving class they would stress about not driving while intoxicated on alcohol, drugs, or medication for that is how the most accidents happen. It is also good to stress about not driving distracted by any means.