Steps can that can be taken to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road

I was a sophomore when I had my first panic attack. I was walking home from school with my little sister just like we did everyday but that day was different because my dad’s police car wasn’t there. Instead there were two different police cars and two police officers standing outside my house. My heart dropped as this image was my worst nightmare. My sister, Violet, and I ran to the house and I could barely hear what the officers were saying because of the million thoughts going through my mind. I had expected the worst. They began to explain that a lady had pulled out infront of my dad on the highway. His police car was totaled and it resulted in a broken hand, leg, and ankle. He also suffered from back injuries and PTSD. It took months before he could return back to work and even then, he was only permitted to do office work. My sister and I were terrified but at least he was okay. We got lucky; we got so lucky. We almost lost him and that was the worst feeling in the world.

Situations like this had happened before but never to this extent. My dad would go to work everyday and almost get hit by cars who wouldn’t switch lanes. He would have to deal with reckless drivers who carried no burden for the safety that they compromised. I never quite understood why he kept putting himself in that position until that day when I came home to him in the worst condition I’ve seen him. He wanted to make the road a safer place even if it meant putting his own life on the line for random people.

I can think of millions of ways that I can become a safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road. All of the ways lead to one essential thing; awareness and reaction. Just being aware of the road and other people can result in a total change in driver safety. Being aware of the weather conditions, road conditions, construction, other drivers, pedestrians, animals, road signs, speed limits, and road lanes are just a few examples that I could think of off of the top of my head.

It is human nature to get distracted and accidents happen. But being a safe and educated driver can help minimize the distractions that lead to accidents. Almost anyone can get a license but it takes an educated driver to be reactive and aware. In most situations being aware and reactive can minimize all of the outcomes of a potential accident. Two simple things is all that it takes. With that being said it is not easy, mainly because of the increased number of distractions. There are cellphones, radios, other passengers, young kids, and even outside entities that sometimes catch our eye. Sometimes the distractions are harder to limit but when people are aware of the stakes at hand they are more likely to limit the distractions before the distractions are a problem. This can be done by silencing a phone, giving young kids toys or books to keep them distracted, and turning down the radio before it becomes a problem. Distractions can be limited; it’s just inconvenient for people that are too lazy to try.

Social media is a great chance to advocate for safe driving. For example, one day I was on facebook and saw a post about a man blowing grass clippings onto the road while mowing. He and many others, including myself, were unaware that this is a safety hazard to motorcyclists. I think the exact words were “grass clippings are like black ice to motorcycles.” I had no idea of this and even I was guilty of blowing grass clippings onto the road while mowing my lawn. I felt awful but at least I was aware and reactive. By being aware I made sure to not do it again and to be reactive I reposted the facebook post to educate other drivers on the subject matter.

I am more than grateful for everything I have in life. My dad and my sister mean the absolute world to me and I’ve unfortunately had to imagine losing them due to unsafe and uneducated drivers. It was the worst feeling in the world and it’s upsetting to think about the people who have lost a loved one due to similar situations. Too many people are losing their lives due to something that can be so easily fixed. Every driver matters just like every education for drivers matters. Every step that is taken to promote safe driving is a step in the right direction; whether it is reposting a facebook post, advocating in large crowds to promote safer and less distracted driving, or practicing limiting distractions before driving.