What could really happen

When it comes to driving on the road it is always important to be aware of your surroundings; even if you are just driving down the street to the grocery store.

Also, it helps knowing you can always take the extra precautions of not having an auto accident by taking a couple of quick extra steps to ensure not only your safety; but everyone elses safety around you.

As you are pulling out to leave, you can always reduce the chance of colliding with another vehicle by stopping and doing a quick assessment of your surroundings. Instead of glancing in the rearview mirror as you pull out, turn your head just to do a blind spot check.Take a look around to make sure the coast is clear of other pedestrians, just in case someone happens to be jamming out on their morning jog unable to hear you.

When it comes down to being out in traffic, it also helps not to be aggressive towards others on the road. It could turn into a road rage disaster costing both drivers their life, just because someone didn’t use a turn signal. Paying attention to red light runners in this type of situation is beneficial as well; you could use a three second grace period before you accelerate just to be sure. When you are behind the wheel it is best not to tailgate other drivers; it could also result in a head on crash by them abruptly stopping & you flying out your windshield.

Lastly, when you are planning to commute on the highway it helps scanning the traffic twelve seconds ahead of you. Scanning the scene makes you a bit more aware of your surroundings on the road. Also, when you are driving next to a truck driver it is always best to stay on their left side. They have a huge blindspot on the right; being unable to see you. Cutting off a trucker during traffic hours can be dangerous, and could result in a pile up if you are not careful enough.

Driving safety is etiquette when on the road, because you never know when it could be your last drive.

Last year, sometime in the summer on a Sunday I was leaving a family gathering to go home. The day was very ordinary, and it was going normal as usual. I am driving on my usual 15th street I take from my Uncle’s house.

I was turning to go right, and I was at a redlight; I remember the traffic on the left side’s light turning green, and everyone routinely accelerating the gas ready to go. There was a man riding a motorcycle bike who was the first to let off of the clutch and go on towards his destination. A car signaling to turn left, (which would be on the right side of traffic from my view), was not paying attention to the yield sign to turn left.

The man driving a car accelerated his car at about a 25-35 mph speed, not paying attention crashing into the man on the motorcycle. The man was lodged into the air about 20 feet, knocking him unconscious as he made impact with the vehicle.

His helmet flew off of his body, and when he hit the ground it was nothing I have ever experienced in person before. The man in the car was so stunned he had hit someone, that he took a look around as everyone was looking at him; turned on his heels and took off running back to his car. He left the scene of the accident, but thankfully there was someone there to call an ambulance.I stayed long enough for them to get there. From the looks on their faces I could tell it did not end well.

Due to all the craziness going on in our world, I always make sure I am aware of my surroundings when I am in the vehicle. I think of others, and all the families on the road commuting to their routines. I don’t drive aggressively, so I can avoid any road rage conflicts with other drivers. I make sure to always scan ahead, just in case I am able to prevent an accident from happening to me & others on the road. I also am very big on not texting while driving, and anyone around me hears it as well. I like keeping others, and myself safe; drawing or walking.

I stress to my peers that accidents can happen at anytime, and no matter what to always be safe when behind the wheel of a car.