The Safe Pace

The Safe Pace

By: Anthony Cottrell

I think driver education is a course that should be expanded and go more into depth with certain topics that I will list below. With so many deaths on the road, I would hope that driver education would become a better-funded program that will be able to reach each and every driver. When I was younger, I was taught how to physically drive the vehicle, as well as the driving laws, but I was never really taught how to mentally drive for ultimate safety. I think creating a defensive driver mindset is just as important as learning how to drive the vehicle itself. Many people drive carelessly because they don’t understand how dangerous getting behind the wheel actually is. I believe if people were to hear more stories of family members who have lost loved ones in car accidents it would really help. As well as show people devastating car accidents. If people are more aware of the dangers I think it will reduce deaths. My last job was in the oil field in West Texas and some of the videos that had us all watch made us all strive to be as safe as possible while on the job.

When I first got behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer, the dangers of driving became a reality for me. You start to really understand just how powerful our vehicles are when you are driving a larger machine. Over the years, I’ve seen many things that have caused accidents but in my opinion it can all be traced back to one thing. Lack of awareness. That is the one step I think should be drilled into the mind of each and every driver. You must be more aware at all times, of yourself, your vehicle, and your surroundings. Every time I have seen a wreck I think, what were they doing just before the accident? I’ve even seen guys driving 18 wheelers watching Netflix while driving or texting. Drivers should also be aware of the tread on their tires or if their car is vibrating while on the highway. I learned the hard way on that topic, when I had a wreck myself because I was not aware of how bald my tires were. I ended up hydroplaning during a rainstorm and actually slammed into an 18 wheeler on the highway. Ever since that accident I changed my mindset entirely around, which led me years later to get my CDL. Spatial awareness is another thing that we as drivers need to pay more attention to. Are you following too close behind another car? Or driving in someone’s blind spots? My mom makes me nervous every time she gets behind the wheel because she tailgates people. She does this because she is not aware of how many wrecks have happened because someone had to slam on their brakes and the car behind them causes the wreck. Another thing to constantly be aware of is your vehicle speed. Unless you are traveling long distance, 10 miles per hour is not going to make that much of a difference so I advise everyone on their daily commute to work, to slow down. As the distance of the trip increases, your awareness of your vehicle, your health, and the other drivers must increase as well. Many drivers are not aware of their physical and mental state before getting behind the wheel. Many accidents have occurred due to someone falling asleep at the wheel or having a wandering mind. Then, you have those who decide to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and cause accidents. I actually had a cousin who unfortunately passed away from choosing to drive after a night of drinking. If people were not so complacent with driving, there would be way less deaths on the road. Being aware of road signs is another big component to reducing accidents. I was stuck on the highway one time for hours because a truck driver didn’t pay attention to the steep grade ahead signs and he ended up crashing. If people are traveling in a truck, drivers need to make sure any items in the back of the truck are secure before taking off.

I think the best way to get people to understand the driving dangers is through advertising as well as a mandatory driving lecture for high school students. I used to be an okay driver, but now I can say I am extremely safe. I drastically slowed down my speed and I never allow myself to get cornered between cars. I always have to have space to where I can exit. I try my best to educate my family and friends on their bad driving habits because I have seen the devasted results of an unsafe driver. I just wish everybody was equally aware of what the bad habits are, that cause these wrecks.