The Importance of Safe Driving

Demetric Jackson

1 August 2020

Drivers ed Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat Scholarship Essay

Student of Louisiana State University

The Importance of Safe Driving

Drivers ed is an important tool that all teenagers and adults should utilize. With everyone learning the rules of the road and etiquette behind the wheel, people will be equipped to become drivers. As we all further educate ourselves, we become more responsible drivers. This, in turn, will reduce the number of car-related deaths.

One step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths is to put down the phone. I’ve seen numerous people on the road on their phone, this takes your attention away from the road.

Even one split second away from watching the road is dangerous to you and other drivers on the road. It may be more effective for drivers to put their phone on the backseat of their car, that way they can’t get to it even if they’re tempted. Another way to reduce the number of car-related deaths is to always wear your seat belts. Lots of people don’t wear their seat belts, which makes car crashes even harsher. While all car accidents can’t be avoided, we can curve the fatality rate by putting on our seat belts to make sure we’re secure.

While I haven’t experienced a car crash first hand, I have seen friends and family members drive irresponsibly. Some steps I could take to be a better driver is to do my adjustments while the car is parked. Since I’m more on the shorter side, I have to adjust my family members’ cars to my liking when I drive them. I am prone to fix things while the car is in motion, which can be dangerous. Another thing I can do is make sure to put my phone on the backseat of the vehicle. Just like most drivers, I may use my phone from time to time while driving. Taking my attention away from the road can be fatal as anything can happen in the blink of an eye. I can help others become better drivings by also advocating for them to put their phones on the backseat as well. Most teenagers and young adults live on their phones, however, we should be able to put our social life on pause for the greater good of our lives and other drivers’ lives. Another way I can help others become better drivers is to remind them to put on their seat belts. While people may think seat belts aren’t effective, they can actually save your life. The strap can keep you from flying out of the windshield of a car if you were to get into a car accident. I think if we show drivers the importance of seat belts, and what can happen without them, they’ll see how essential they are for driving. By becoming more responsible drivers, we also show others how important driving is. By being leaders, we help others change their flawed ways. As we continue to advocate for better driving habits, the roadways become safer each day. Change doesn’t take much, it starts with you.