The Importance of Safe Driving

I was initially nervous to take Drivers Education during my sophomore year of High School. After the first few times driving with my instructor, he often reassured, and made me feel comfortable behind the wheel. He taught me the importance of safe driving and made a real impact on me. He shared a story with me during one of our driving sessions. He actually had a younger sister killed in an automobile accident when she was in college. I could see how such a loss still touches him and made me understand the importance of not being distracted when driving. He often reiterated the phrase that “accidents can happen in a blink of the eye.” The below questions made me stop and think of how important that comment truly is.

1. What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving? I firmly believe that it is important to teach young drivers the implications of distracted driving. Many young drivers think “It can never happen to me.” During Driver Education we were shown pictures of horrific accidents that were caused by distracted driving. Seeing these pictures really helped me realize how important it is to follow the driving laws and to never be distracted as accidents can happen so fast. Driver Education provided me with a strong foundation and taught me the importance of safe driving and how to avoid distractions that can ultimately cause accidents.

2. What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? First and foremost, don’t be a distracted driver. Make sure you understand the importance of “safety first.” Be aware of your surroundings and don’t relay on the other drivers to do the right thing. Always maintain the speed limit and understand there will be times that you will need to drive below the posted limit. If the weather is hazardous, if there is an accident, or if you’re distracted for other reasons. Also, if you or another driver is impaired, never get behind the wheel. Always choose a designated driver before a fun night out on the town. With all that said, I believe the most important factor to reducing deaths would be to simply buckle up. It’s a well-known fact that buckling your seatbelt can keep you safe during an accident and possibly even save your life.

3. Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? Unfortunately, I have been in a car accident. I was on my way to softball practice when I was a Junior in High School. I was stopped at a red light. The light then turned green and the cars in front of me slowly proceeded forward. As I was getting ready to turn the corner the gentleman behind me, driving a large company truck drove directly into the rear of my car. My car ended up being totaled due to the damage to the back-end of my car. The driver of the truck did admit that he was looking at his phone and trying to drink a bottle of water. He simply saw the light turn green and took off, not noticing the traffic in front of him was proceeding slowly. Thankfully, no one was injured. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. This accident was a real eye-opener for me. It scared me and did make me realize just how quickly an accident can happen and you always need to watch out for the others around you. I’m just glad I was able to learn this lesson and no one was hurt.

4. What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road? It’s very important to not be a distracted driver. Don’t let your phone or electronic devise be a distraction. Do not try to respond to text or emails while driving. Wait until you come to a complete stop to focus on these distractions. As young drivers we need to lead by example. If you see a friend or family member trying becoming distracted while driving, set in and try to help or at least point out what the consequences are to driving distracted.

In thinking about each of the above questions, it has given me the opportunity to stop and think. Every once in a while, people need a friendly reminder of what’s important. A simple text, or phone call can wait until you are safely parked and no longer behind the wheel.