The Importance of Safe Driving

The Importance of Safe Driving

The car is one of the greatest inventions ever created. Cars make it possible to travel long distances in short periods of time and allow for mass transportation of goods. The car revolutionized the world. However, despite the obvious benefits of cars, there is a huge drawback to them: their fatality rate.

According to the National Safety Council, 38,000 people were killed in car crashes in 2019 in the United States. While this figure is monumental, drivers ed is one important step being taken to reduce it. Drivers ed informs teenagers of the rules of the road. These concepts are extremely important to the safety of all drivers. Furthermore, drivers ed instructors thoroughly discuss avoiding distracted driving to their students. They discuss the importance of putting away one’s phone, turning down the radio, and focusing on driving rather than conversing with passengers. The focus on these concepts, as well as the rules of the road, are crucial to reducing the number of deaths while driving.

Along with drivers ed, other steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Car companies can continue adding new safety features to their vehicles to prevent distracted driving, such as phone and radio restrictions. Law enforcement can be proactive in enforcing laws banning texting while driving, driving under the influence, and speeding to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Finally, family and friends can remind each other of the importance of obeying these laws, as well as not engaging in distracting behaviors while driving.

I understand the importance of engaging in safe driving practices because I have personally been involved in accidents that were related to distracted driving. My brother has even been taken to the hospital after an accident that occurred when another driver was on his phone while driving and ran a stop sign. I have also seen many of my family members and friends exhibiting unsafe behaviors while driving. In order to be a safer driver, I will always make sure my phone is stored out of sight while driving and that the radio is set before I begin driving. In addition, I will ensure everyone in my car has put on their seatbelt before we begin our commute and that I stay focused on the road and my driving, rather than the conversations of my passengers. I will also make sure that others follow the same steps and that I am contributing to a calm and safe atmosphere when I am in the car with them to help them be safer on the road, as well. Reminding others of the precautions necessary to drive safely is just as important as reminding myself. Ultimately, the safety of the masses on the road relies on the habits of everyone involved. It only takes one mistake by one person to end the life of another.