Limit Distractions to Limit Tragedies

Limit
Distractions to Limit Tragedies

Driver
education plays a major role in reducing the number of
driving-related deaths. Making sure that drivers are being educated
thoroughly before going behind the wheel is crucial to minimize
accidents. As a driver, being knowledgeable and confident in my
abilities is key to being safe. As well as being educated on the
rules of the road, another main influence is being aware of the
impact on others while driving. Driving courses that explain the
importance of safety for not only the driver themselves but everyone
around them are highly beneficial. Keeping in mind the risk of
fatalities in crashes helps to keep those behind the wheel more alert
and focused. Similarly, there are many steps that can be taken to
reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first is
something many people do not take under careful enough consideration:
cell phones. The ease of texting while driving lures many drivers
into losing focus and simultaneously putting lives at risk. Taking
the step to completely eliminate texting while driving has the
potential to save thousands of lives every year. I hope that in the
near future there will be increased legal ramifications for texting
while driving to help reduce the number of driving-related deaths.
Another important step that can be taken is to lessen the amount of
drunk driving. This depends on the choice the person in question
makes. If we can continue to bring awareness to the fatal dangers of
drunk driving, this can further prevent deaths related to driving.

I
have been fortunate enough to have never been involved in a car
crash, but I know peers who were not. Last summer three people from
my high school drove drunk and hit a tree head on at 80 mph. Two of
them passed away. It shook the entire community and brought even more
awareness to the fatal dangers of driving under the influence. To
witness two young lives taken away that easily drove home the point
that drunk driving was truly dangerous. With this experience in mind,
some steps I can take to be a better and safer driver are to be
attentive and resist distractions. I can make sure to always remember
the laws of driving and pay careful attention to recall information
from my drivers ed. While driving, I can make sure to never
let anything distract me from the road. Keeping my phone out of
sight, music at a low volume, and both hands on the wheel will help
to ensure my safety as a driver. I hope others will do the same. To
help other people make safe driving choices, I can always be a
positive influence in the passenger seat by making sure they keep
their focus on the road and reminding them that driving responsibly
is vital.