Safety Beyond Just Seatbelts

When it comes to becoming a better and safe driver, I think of the famous phrase, “knowledge is power.” This phrase can be equated to power, safety and most importantly happiness on the road. Knowing the rules of the road can greatly help any driver become a better and safer member of society. A good driving education is attributed to helping drivers reduce the number of yearly deaths caused by car accidents by teaching how to become a defensive driver. “Defensive driving” is a technique that encourages drivers to always be alert when on the road. For example, expecting the faults of other drivers allows you to protect yourself, and to also predict the actions of other drivers. Being cautious and having good knowledge of road behavior is always necessary while driving.

The purpose of a driver’s education is to understand the skills and attitude to safely drive a vehicle. This includes being cognizant and vigilant in order to prevent accidents by applying the skills learned from drivers education. Safe driving includes following the laws of the road, being cautious when taking any actions, and driving only when you are able to (not when intoxicated or under the influence). Driving while in a good headspace is also crucial, since being very angry or upset can cause your thoughts to drift away from the road. This is why skills and attitude combined are important before getting behind the wheel of a car.

I was able to see the importance of this firsthand when I was involved in a minor accident in the library parking lot. I was stressed and distracted with my own thoughts about figuring out my class schedule when suddenly, I felt the impact of a car on my rear bumper. I looked back and saw a woman getting out of her car and nervously I also got out to see what I had caused. While her car had little to no damage, I did not notice the damage on my car until I had gotten home. I had been so worried about my involvement in an accident that I had failed to recognize whose fault it had been. While I do recall having looked both ways before backing out, my mental state was not clear enough for me to be certain that the accident had not been my fault. It is incidents like these that prove that you do not have to be intoxicated to be an unsafe driver. It is crucial to have the right attitude while driving and be in a good headspace so that you can focus on the road. It only takes a second of not paying attention that can lead to a minor or fatal accident.

In order to be safe on the road, it is necessary to take the necessary steps of first having the right attitude and acquiring and practicing the skills learned in drivers education. This includes being a defensive and alert driver that will greatly help in reducing accidents and therefore deaths. To be a better and safe driver, it is important to be vigilant of your own self and your surroundings and not take any major risks that can cause harm and a lifetime of regrets. Being late or taking a cab home is a better end result than being involved in a deadly accident. So drive carefully, be aware, and happy on the road!