Driving Habits To-Do after Covid-19

Driving Habits To-Do After Covid-19

Jonathan Wall

In early 2020, a worldwide event would drastically change our society. It was the global onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyday habits became more localized and homebound than ever before. One of those habits was driving, whether it be commuting or traveling. It would be assumed that car accidents were reduced during the spring months of 2020. However, car accidents increased instead of decreased, due to speeding (Ledsom, 2020). It was an odd sight, to say the least. This essay answers certain questions posed, such as what effect driver’s education has on travelers, and how accidents like these can be reduced.

The first question focuses on how driver’s education can positively affect drivers and reduce deaths. It does so, through various rules and regulations to follow on the road. They include stopping distance between cars, and how to operate a car, among other valuable tips. Driver’s Education courses can range from a ride-along at a license school or it can occur over a period of several weeks. The latter kind of learning is usually associated with the public-school system. It can include classroom study or learning while driving a vehicle, depending on the institution. This can help drivers by giving them “the rules of the road”.

The second question broadens the topic, by asking what steps can be taken, other than driver’s education. A good example that comes to mind is public awareness of dangerous driving. There are various public campaigns that speak against certain issues that plague drivers, like drunk driving, and distracted driving. The former is obvious, but the latter has changed significantly over the past two decades, with the advent of smartphones. Distracted driving now means two things: playing on your cell phone while driving or being distracted by passengers and geography. The geography aspect could include other cars on the road or diverse landscapes. These public campaigns are usually done at either a local or a state level. They are usually supported or enacted by state transportation officials and police departments. The police side of it is either on a local or state level, as previously mentioned.

In response to the third question, I have not been involved in an accident. My dad had a deer collision several years ago, which smashed in the driver side of the car. It was an SUV and it damaged the headlights on that side. From what I understand, it was on a Friday night in January, and the deer came out of nowhere. The rule of thumb here in Kansas is to hit the deer, instead of swerving to avoid it. If one does swerves, it can lead to a roll-over accident or a multi-car collision. Hitting the deer is a natural response. That was probably the only car accident that our family has had. The second part of the question asks if family has driven in a dangerous manner. There is only one instance that might fit this question. Before Covid-19 became a predominant aspect of our lives, my mom would travel an hour and a half away to a major metropolitan city. When we were with her, she would sometimes ask us to dial someone. We would do that, hold the phone (earbuds were included), and mom would talk at length to the caller on the other end. I don’t think this is more dangerous then handheld phone usage while driving, but it is unusual behavior.

Finally, the last question focuses on what steps need to be taken, to drive safely on the road. I would say the biggest step would be a focus on what’s in front of you, and not rubbernecking at certain objects and landscapes. Rubbernecking is a bad habit, that can end up being dangerous to the driver. For those that don’t know, it is looking at something on the roadway or beside it, like an accident or a billboard. The driver’s focus should be in front of them. The next step is to not become drowsy. After driving long distances, the driver can become drowsy. Some have said this is much worse than being intoxicated (CDC). They can be lulled into a false sense of security. Their eyelids can close, feeling sleepy, a warning sign for both the driver and the passengers (CDC). When that happens, either switch drivers or take a 15-20min nap. The last step I will go over is remember your driver’s education. The day that one forgets it or refuses to follow it, will be their last day driving. It is very important that one learns the tips and tricks in driver’s education. It can mean the difference between life and death. There were many tips and informational offerings made in this essay. Personal tidbits were also included, for the sake of the essay. In conclusion, Covid-19 is nearly over. When that day comes later this year, I believe there will be a mass return to car travel in the United States. It is my hope that people don’t forget their safe driving habits, in that time of reward and freedom.

Citations

Ledsom, A. (2020, October 14^th). Riskier Behaviour is causing more accidents during pandemic. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2020/10/14/emptier-roads-but-traffic-fatalities-soaring-why/?sh=4d643bfd3b1f

CDC. Drowsy Driving. www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/drowsy_driving.html