In the Driver’s Seat

Yasmeen Chintaman

In the Driver’s Seat

Driving can have terminal results if not conducted by following proper rules and regulations. These impactful guidelines come from drivers ed. Drivers ed prevents severe car accidents and decreases the chances of future fatalities on the road. With the escalation of technology use in the world, it has been proven devices can reduce the rising number of deaths due to driving in more than one way. In most states using hands free devices while driving to answer phone calls or respond to texts is legal, however in all states it’s still considered a bad idea. While it does allow you to not use your hands to answer incoming communications from your phone, it is still considered distracted driving. Putting your phone on do not disturb or simply silencing incoming messages and calls is an easy step to further ensure you are only focused on the road. However, technology can also be used in helpful ways while driving to further provide us with detailed visuals of our surroundings and car enhancements that provide accident prevention. For example, Electronic Stability Control is a computerized technology that detects loss of traction which improves a car’s stability. Based on research on crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov, electronic stability control reduced car crashes by 36 percent and 70 percent for vans and light trucks. Severity reduction can be seen in cars using front-collision mitigation which is another advanced car safety system. Fortunately, I’ve never experienced a car accident, nor do I know anyone who has experienced the unfortunate event. However, I do recall a memorable story I was shown in my 5-hour driving education class. I remember the story vividly because of the traumatic result the accident had on the driver. The driver was on his way from work where he recalls feeling very tired and questioning himself if he should or should not drive. He proceeded to drive home and was approaching his house when he fell asleep for about three minutes. Those three minutes changed his life forever. The car crashed into a tree and the driver was left permanently disabled. I remember this story because I was so shocked by how something so small as sleepiness created such a drastic life changing moment. There are several steps that can be taken to become a better and safer driver. A major cause of accidents is drunk driving. Driving involves reaction, vision, and judgment. All three of these traits are heavily affected when drinking alcohol. Whether you have your license or not, you can help stop others you know are under the influence from driving and if you are the driver, have the judgment to know you not only put your life at risk, but the lives of others. Building a strong foundation before going behind the wheel is also an easy way to ensure you are enforcing correct road habits. A person can build this foundation by going to a proper driving school that teaches you all the facts you need to know on driving safely. Driving education includes but is not limited to, looking through mirrors when reversing, the proper way to wear a seatbelt, putting the blinkers on when making a turn, different ways to park carefully, etc.