The importance of drivers safety

The importance of drivers safety

Did you know that an estimated 34,000 people die each year from an automobile related death. That’s 2,388 people per month. 2,388 lives lost due to reckless driving. 2,388 people who went out fully expecting to be back home with their family in no time. 2,833 people whose parents will forever grieve the loss of their missing child, whose brothers and sisters will long for the sweet sound of their siblings laughter, whose classmates will miss seeing their face in the hall. Why are so many of us dying from something that seems so inconsequential? Why are so many more people injured in automobile accidents? The answer is simple, too many people are driving distracted, impaired or are simply breaking traffic laws that were created in the pursuit of vehicular safety. So the real question here is what can we , we being the young drivers of America, do to help? For starters, as the WIsconsin state law instructs, all drivers under the age of 18 must complete drivers ed courses. As a student taking these classes, it is your duty to retain most, if not all, of the information given to you and complete required driving hours while also practicing safe driving skills. Praciting at both day and night, in all types of weather prepares drivers from real world situations they might encounter. Understanding how the weather might affect the operation of the vehicle and the driving habits of others is also a key part in the learning experience. These drivers ed courses are integral to ensure that the new generation of drivers is able to safely and confidently operate a vehicle while also teaching them of traffic laws and possible violations they could encounter, as well as informing them on how to deal with law enforcement and insurance agencies. Another step towards keeping the roads safe for not only yourself, but others as well, to put the technology away. I’m not saying the car ride needs to be in silence, of course everyone loves some music, but the text from your friend or the phone call from work is not worth risking your life to answer. While keeping technology to a minimum, also try to refrain from distractions caused by passengers. Making conversation is great, just be sure that your number one focus is the road in front of you and everything surrounding it. Under no circumstance should you drive while impaired. Not only do you danger yourself, but those surrounding you. I have never been in a car accident myself, but recently my uncle passed due one. I’m not sure the exact circumstances surrounding his death but I can infer that there was impaired driving involved. I know that if the driver that night had made the decision to give up his keys, my uncle would still be here flashing that million dollar smile that everyone loved so much. As a young driver myself, I have made a few promises to those closest to me in order to keep myself safe while driving. My phone is almost always on Do Not Disturb, so as not to disrupt my concentration and I keep music to a minimal level. With more of a fear of getting a ticket and having to deal with law enforcement than getting into an accident, I make sure to obey all traffic laws and do my best not to speed. The most important thing I do for them ,though, is buckle up. It is the quickest, easiest way to give my mother peace of mind when I leave the driveway and could potentially save my life one day. As a passenger I am always aware of the surroundings and discourage any phone usage from the driver. As a friend I always take the keys of those who seem to impaired to drive and detest those who selfishly decide not to. I explain to them how unsafe their decision is and how dangerous they could be behind the wheel. By no means would I ever call myself a perfect driver for I am guilty of my own vices while driving but I always take not only my life into consideration, but those around me as well. I never want to be the reason a family is mourning a loved one and classmates attend a vigil. The one thing all drivers can do to ensure the safety of everyone on the road is to be conscious and aware of those around you because you never know whos life you might be risking.