Better, not perfect.

I believe the best way to create better drivers is to have education for beginning drivers and install habits that continue for a life long practice of future drivers. The best drivers I have ever spent time with and felt comfortable in the passenger drivers seat with were the ones that have already taken several courses and that have been to some form of drivers education early before they were even able to touch a steering wheel. Those I felt unsafe with were by inverse those that simply taken the test, fulfilled the hours and immediately went into driving when they got the opportunity.

The steps needed to reduce the number of deaths quite possibly may be in the words of my driving instructor. “ You will never be the perfect driver, but you can be a little better each time.” As he taught defensive driving and made sure we understood we should always be able to predict movements and never be the fastest in any given situation. Reducing deaths on the road is about being pragmatic and predicting the worst case scenario and understanding the time needed to come to a complete stop. I enjoyed the way he broke down and helped all of us teenagers understand the risk and potential mishaps that can happen on the road. One of the discrepancies about driving is the idea that cars can’t do a lot of damage or maybe people do not take the reality of driving at speeds of twenty miles per hour and up can cause serious injury to anybody and the driver themselves.

My introduction to what can happen from cars comes from a personal tragedy that happened to my aunt. Several years ago she lost her youngest boy as a drunk driver T-boned her oldest son’s vehicle. This moment was a very true reality as just years before, I had been T-boned by another driver and luckily came off unscathed it was a jolt and left me a bit precautious about vehicles. Not everyone gets lucky as I did, the hole in our family can never be replaced. It still sticks to me as I continue to drive and how I view vehicles is different. I don’t fear them but I understand the inherent danger that comes with them besides their fantastic ability to make hour long trips a couple minutes.

So often times when i’m driving I think of these aspects and they help my trips to be better and safer. One rule as I drive, is “never be in a rush” which is one thing to know I have to always be early and I have to always account for the possibilities of getting lost as I am directionally challenged. Most of the time, I also recognize that I do not have to be the fastest driver because I took the time to leave early and plan for traffic and whatever else. Notice how these two play off of each other and give me a better disposition and less in a rushed frantic driver. Thirdly, I always have my phone put away or at least I do not have it near me to the point where it can be distracting, I don’t answer calls period.

Next, while driving I try to understand how people drive and notice the tiny things. How drivers transition, the lack of using blinkers and the semi’s around. I do my best to avoid and stay away and always be prepared for when I have to go left or right. Often times I’m thinking steps ahead and if a driver is not driving in a safe manner, I always get away from them. Most of the time these steps help me be a better driver and to always be prepared for what can happen on the road and usually I just take my time and if its not possible I always know my way around and have no problem getting off a wrong exit if its unsafe or there are others out there driving like maniacs.

I believe that driving is a consistent process of growing and understanding the road and those around you as the situation is never the same. To be a better driver is to be accountable for your actions and how you operate on the road. So very often I follow keys steps that help me be successful and I think the best step is never being in a rush to get to my location. I can proudly boast I have never caused an accident. I think the best drivers have the education and the experience to understand what is going on around them and also try their best to be a better driver each time they touch the steering wheel. I sincerely believe all these steps could help facilitate safer roads and reduce vehicle related deaths.