Alert And Attentive; the key to safe driving

Sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat, surrounded in a cozy cocoon of glass, aluminum and upholstery, it is easy to believe that nothing bad could possibly occur on the open road. After all, with suspension and tires providing a smooth ride, the last thing on one’s mind is the fact that they are traveling at 70 miles per hour only feet from others doing the same. It is so easy to separate oneself from the fact that one’s car is moving quickly and dangerously on the road. Riding in a car, it can take only a quick lapse of attention to get in a crash. However, it seems as if a crash is the least likely thing to occur. By being shielded from the world outside, it feels as if nothing can go wrong. A lot of Americans end up injured or even dead when an accident quickly proves that they are not as invincible in their car as they thought.

Like any driver, I have both felt this invincible feeling while driving, and seen it in others. Returning home from a Cross Country meet, one of my teammates drove recklessly. Going around 50 to 60 MPH on a long country road with a 30 MPH speed limit, I felt unsafe. Unfortunately, I did not voice my concerns because I felt that invincibility. I believed nothing could happen that would truly endanger me. The car speeding down the road felt safe and comfortable. I reasoned that severe car crashes don’t happen every day. They happen to other people whom I have never met. Although a little fearful of the high speeds, my fears melted away as we drove. There was nothing to remind me that we were going dangerously fast. No wind whistling in my face, no severe shaking of the car, and no sudden jolts of acceleration. I soon acclimated to the high speed and felt safe in this dangerous situation. Luckily for me, I got home with both me and my friend’s car in one piece. This complacency is part of the problem that is proving deadly for some 35,000 Americans as of 2012. We seem to feel that nothing can hurt us while we drive, when in reality, getting into the car is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis. However, driver education can give drivers an extra safety bubble by teaching how to navigate the roads.

Learning not only the rules of the road, but how to actively anticipate others’ actions can help Americans drive with attention and purpose. In driver education, many young drivers are taught the basics; stop at stop signs, give the right of way, use a blinker when about to turn, and never run stop lights. While trivial, these basics make the roads safer for everyone by installing communication and respect. Without these basics, the roads devolve into a chaotic mess that provides the perfect opportunity for deadly accidents. Because no one can be sure of the intentions of everyone else, a single set of rules allow for the safety of everyone. However, driver education is not just about memorizing the rules of the road. Young drivers are provided with examples of what to do in certain situations. Rotaries, highway on and exit ramps, and driving on icy snow provide challenges to those who are just beginning to drive. However, driver education provides safety with experience because new drivers know what to do on the road no matter what is placed in front of them. Educated drivers will lead to less casualties.

Part of being an educated Driver is having a healthy respect for the vehicle one drives. It is important to understand the true dangers of driving. Think about it; when you drive you put your life into the hands of the drivers around you. One slight miss-judgment can lead to another car slamming into you, or you slamming into them. In few other situations do we trust complete strangers with our lives. To reduce the risk of hitting other cars, drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and practice active driving. This means putting away the phone, being well rested, and never driving under the influence. Drinking and driving kills. This combination is deadly and will place everyone at risk. Active driving in which drivers pay close attention and anticipate the moves of those around them, will lead to less casualties on the road. By paying attention, drivers can actively take their lives into their own hands instead of trusting those around them.

While it may be easy to simply drive and blissfully ignore the dangers all around, driving with purpose is important. Going back to the drive with my teammate coming home from a cross country meet, I needed to take my life back into my own hands and ask him to slow down. Nothing is worth the risk of crashing while going 20 over the speed limit. While I may feel that invincibility as I cruise smoothly down the road, I can practice active driving and anticipate the dangers that may suddenly materialize right before my eyes. While moving at speed, I need to be ready and attentive because anything can happen on the road. The true key to driving safely is being alert and attentive to my surroundings no matter what. If I am unable to do so, Driving is simply not worth the risk. After all, I do not want to be one of those Americans who tragically realize they are not invincible in their seemingly safe and comfortable car cabin.