Practice Defensive and Safe Driving

Every day on the road, we are at risk of those who aren’t well educated of the consequences driving recklessly on the road comes with. Education is an important part of our daily lives, whether it’s being educated on topics such as how to properly use a knife or how to safely cross the street. Education plays a big role in how we manage to survive in this world; driver’s education is no exception to this. The amount of deaths caused by car accidents that could’ve been avoided is ridiculous. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2012 there were more deaths caused by car accidents than there were deaths in 5 of the top 10 wars ranked by combat deaths. It is disheartening to think about how yearly there are more deaths caused by accidents on the road then some of the top ranked wars. The data shows that safe driving should be practiced more often than driving recklessly to prevent such fatalities.

Driver’s education is important because being educated on the driving laws and safety procedures can greatly reduce the chance of you being in a fatal car accident and here’s why: Driving safely and responsibly while making good decisions to keep those around you safe makes you consider the consequences of your actions such as speeding, being distracted, trying to avoid traffic, or avoiding the use of signals. Avoiding the use of signals can greatly affect the drivers around you since it can confuse them and they will not have a clue as to what your next move might be. It is important to alert those near you as it can result in a crash. If you are aware of the benefits of signal lights, you can make sure those around you will know where you are going and it will reduce the chance of you getting into a rear or side collision. Following rules such as checking your mirrors frequently and using your signal lights can help reduce the number of deaths that occur in car related accidents. Educating drivers on the importance of safety precautions such as seatbelts or avoiding driving if you are in an emotional state can help reduce the number of deaths regarding driving. Learning about the consequences of not following the guidelines of safe driving can help drivers make better decisions when deciding to drive. This concept is a form of defensive driving which is a standard practice some drivers follow. Defensive driving is more than just driving carefully, it’s when you drive making safe decisions for yourself and the others driving around you. Making safe decisions while considering the safety of other drivers, will help prevent accidents on the road. Driving safely and being aware of the speed limit and your surroundings can ensure the safety of yourself and others while driving on the road.

Distracted drivers put many people at risk of getting into a fatal accident. Eating, texting or calling, or doing anything that diverts your focus from the road, can put you and other drivers at risk. It is important to keep your eyes on the road to ensure everyone’s safety. I have seen distracted drivers firsthand but luckily, I haven’t been in a car crash due to distracted driving. Every time I’m in the car and someone is texting and driving, I usually tell them that our safety is important and to be patient and answer later. Driving while trying to multitask makes those in your car and around you, concerned for their own safety. Remember that you can wait until after you reach your destination to handle other things.Texting and driving became one of the most common distractions that cause car accidents which is what caused it to become a law to put your phone away while driving. It is important to remember the laws while driving to avoid receiving the consequences that come with driving irresponsibly like a car crash or a ticket.

As a driver, some steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver is to continue practicing and following the guidelines and safety procedures that I learned in Drivers Ed and with what I know about defensive driving. I will make sure to frequently observe my surroundings and the speed limit on the road I will be driving on. In order to help others become better and safer drivers, I would like to make sure they are educated and have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for safe driving. Making sure other drivers don’t make poor decisions and holding them accountable if they have already done so is also another very important step that is necessary to take in order to make sure every driver is safe on the road. Please make sure you are aware of everyone’s safety while you’re driving. It is important to make good choices every day of your life.