Be Smart

34,000. This is the number of lives taken. This is the number of family’s torn apart. This is the number of bad choices made. This is a number to great compared to its cause. On average, over 34,000 people die each year due to driving accidents. This number in 2 years on its own is greater than the number of American soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. So, the question is, when will our own war against bad driving end? What must the death toll come to? Well, fear not, the battle is not a lost cost, thankfully we have great programs that are used to further educated people on the importance of driver’s safety and the great responsibility it is to sit behind a wheel. With programs like these many people are given a second chance, me being one of them. When my accident happened, I had no idea what had hit me, one second, I am reaching back to grab my brothers cup, the next I had run straight into the back of a van. In this accident I could have potentially hurt 4 people in total including Me, my brother, and a father and son in the van. This was a huge eye opener. By court of law, I was required to take a drivers safety course and through this I was shown just how important it is to stay focused and aware behind the wheel. I was remined of some great ways to reduce driving risk and ways to create a safer environment for everyone around me. Here are some tips. First thing, always keep your eyes on the road at all times. When we take the time to look for something in the seat around us or turn our heads to look at our phones, we are putting everyone around us in danger. Because of this I think it is important for people to understand that those things can wait. Come to a stop before looking away, this is me talking from experience. Next, always be in the right condition to drive before getting behind the wheel. If you are dunk or under the influence, always call someone. People would rather see you home safe, rather than in the latest statistic about drunk driving. Also, even if you have no one to call, we are blessed with technology and apps that will have someone take you home. Be smart. The last tip I will say, is chose your passengers wisely. Don’t let people ride with you who are going to be a distraction. You are in control of what happens in your vehicle, so make it a calm and safe environment that you can stay focused in. To sum everything up, these are all things that I have learned through resources provided. These courses are so vital to teaching the youth and as well as adults how to be a safe, courteous, and responsible driver. It shows the danger it is to be behind the wheel and how important it is to know what you are doing. I am very grateful to the people who create these courses and make a safer space for everyone on the road.