Caution: Save Lives or Ruin Lives

“When you know better you do better.” This simple yet powerful phrase came from Maya Angelou. The message behind the words refers to anyone who has ever made a mistake. The majority of people who make mistakes have inaccurate or no information at all. This is more than common when it refers to driving. 

It is crucial that new drivers understand education pertaining to driving. When a new driver or teenager complete a drivers ed course prior to obtaining their license, it will help develop rudimentary vehicle control and traffic maneuvers. This gives students the opportunity to learn how to safely operate a vehicle on busy interstates. When teenagers are presented with the proper information, they tend to make fewer mistakes. This would include car accidents that lead to death. Reducing the 6 million car accident rate that happens every year in the U.S. 

When taking accountability and ensuring safety habits it can ultimately reduce the number of deaths. When passengers are present inside a vehicle their seats should be buckled. If engaged in social drinking and drug use never get behind the wheel. This next one is more prevalent in today’s generation. Using any technology such as a phone, earpiece, handheld gaming system, or any kind is dangerous and irresponsible behavior. All of these contemplate whether you’ll put someone’s life in jeopardy or your own. 

When I was eight years old, I can recall my first experience in a car accident. I can vividly remember the vehicle being an all-black Pontiac. Inside on the driver’s side was my mother and, on the passenger’s, side was me. Sitting in the right lane waiting patiently for the light to change from red to green. Seconds before the light was able to make the transition a vehicle slammed in the back of my mother and I full force. The impact made us wreck into the vehicle in front of us. After being emitted from the hospital my mother was notified that the individual who caused the wrecks was texting and driving.  Thankfully no one was severely injured and only had minor injuries. For months I had to visit a chiropractor for the pain in my neck. 

Since I’ve been able to drive, I made it my responsibility to always be responsible and educated. It is always possible to become a better driver whether you’ve been driving for six months, one year, or twenty years. I know I can personally do safety checks before pulling off and starting my car engine. I also can buckle my seatbelt before driving to my destination. These are just a few tips listed all though there are several more. If I’m the passenger in someone’s car and notice them speeding I would politely ask them to slow down. If I saw them using their phone, I would ask them to put it away until we’ve met our destination. These are just a few ways to be effective and guaranteeing a safety driver on the road.