Being Safe in the Driver’s Seat

“Being Safe in the Driver’s Seat”

According to driving-tests.org approximately 1.3 million people worldwide die in a car crash every year. Out of those 1.3 million people, one-third of those deaths are caused by speeding, and 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving. Not only does this information show that driving is dangerous and requires responsibility, but it also shows that most of those deaths can be avoided through safe driving.

Throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of unsafe driving from my friends and family. My friends, for example, are peer pressured into driving faster and being irresponsible in general. I would go home from school and see multiple people in one car blasting music and driving well above the speed limit. My father, for example, would commonly drive while under the influence of alcohol and I would be in the car when he would crash into something or drive off the road. Having drivers ed is one of the most important things to have when on the road as that information helps prevent the driver and its passengers from any harm. The facts above show that by having drivers ed and the knowledge of what to do and what not to do while on the road will ultimately reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. A lot of irresponsible driving can come from the peer pressure of friends, usage of cell phones, and from the usage of alcohol.

While it is nice to have company when driving, too much company and having the distraction of others is not safe. Sometimes, friends will peer pressure others into driving faster or into irresponsible driving. Limiting the amount of people while driving and staying focused will help eliminate that threat.

As the world grows, as does the need for technology. Technology can be useful in a lot of situations, especially when lost on the road or need directions to get somewhere. However, people can become distracted with the use of phones and will use them while driving. In order to be safe while driving, phones should be turned off or put on a driving mode, and should be used only when necessary.

Alcohol is one of the major causes of fatality when driving. Alcohol makes people think differently and can cause their vision and other body functions to be ineffective. To be safe while driving, eliminating alcohol entirely will most definitely decrease the amount of fatalities in driving. By using drivers ed and eliminating the usage of the things above, we can reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

Driving requires responsibility and requires education, without that, people’s lives may be at harm. In order to become a better and safer driver, please eliminate any of the threats mentioned above and always keep in mind what is at stake.