Roads, Rage, and Safety

Giselle Jap

30 July 2021

Roads, Rage, and Safety

I have often noticed a common theme when it comes to car accidents, especially on the news.  It’s something everyone is familiar with whether you can drive or not.  When it comes to accidents on the road, many emotions can arise such as fear, sadness, and most prominently, anger.  It is a given that when we’re angry, our senses can be blinded.  We usually become more sensitive to the pettiest little actions that we would normally shrug off.  By being angry, we are also more prone to make rash decisions such as speeding a yellow light or cutting someone off.  There is a saying that a sound mind leads to a sound body.  If anger clouds your judgement, then it will reflect on your physical actions, and driving is both a physical and mental exercise.

Another pattern that I see in car accidents is a lack of proper signage.  For instance, the first time I was in a car accident was when I was fifteen.  It was dark outside.  My dad was driving us home and stopped at the intersection since there was a stop sign.  As my dad saw it was safe to cross, we drove forward when a car came speeding by from our right and hit us.  There was no stop sign at that side of the intersection and my dad had underestimated the speed that car was going.  I’m grateful to say that my family and the other party did not get injured.  We were all just very shocked.  If there had been a stop sign at that intersection though, there would have never been an accident in the first place.

I would say that driver education can be a major factor in reducing the amount of accidents, and therefore, deaths on the road.  Whether young or old, it’s important to know the basics of driving.  Many people often drive with kids.  I think it’s important to teach kids that they shouldn’t bother mom or dad when they’re behind the wheel.  It is true that Little Johnny nagging “mommy I’m hungry” or Little Suzy repeating “are we there yet?” can be annoying to parents or anyone driving.  Road rage is a common theme in car accidents, and although kids will still be kids, it is worth teaching them to be patient when mom or dad is driving.  Additionally, for those who can drive, it is important to know how to drive safely.  In the accident I was in, there was a little girl in the other car, and she didn’t have a car seat.  Driving laws are there to help us be safe, so it is important to know about your driving laws.  All in all, being educated about driving safely can ultimately reduce the number of deaths.

Further steps that can be taken to reduce deaths related to driving are by petitioning and promoting patience.  Like my experience taught me, a stop sign can be the factor between safety or an accident.  If your neighborhood needs a stop sign, petition one to create a safer environment.  This can especially be important if it is a neighborhood with many children.  Moreover, promoting patience can combat road rage.  In the world we live in today, it is easy to get carried away thinking only about yourself.  While it’s true that you may be in the right and someone wrongs you, it’s good to remember to be the bigger person especially when you are on the road.  Chances are, you won’t meet this person again and it’s not worth getting worked up over someone who cut you or keeps honking you.  Additionally, nowadays, everything is about speed.  We have fast internet, food delivery, shopping, and even more.  While on the road however, remember to be patient.  Don’t speed that red light or just speed in general.  You might be late for something important, but instead of risking the lives of others, try to do better next time when you’re preparing.  Henceforth, by petitioning when necessary and incorporating patience in people’s lives, accidents and consequently, deaths are minimized.

As for myself, I am fifteen years old and am learning to drive.  To become a better driver I plan to firstly and most importantly, listen to my parents.  Since I’m a beginner driver, the knowledge my parents have acquired driving over the years will be useful.  Next, I’ll also take a look at the driver’s manual and try to familiarize myself with my parent’s car.  Overall, I’m looking forward to getting my license and as a young driver, I will be sure to drive safely with the guidance of my parents.