Staying Safe on the Road

There are many ways to prevent the number of car crashes and the number of deaths that are related to driving. The most important one being, avoid distractions and stay attentive behind the wheel. Although your eyes are only off the road for a few seconds, that’s how long it can take to crash into another vehicle. Removing distractions like a cellphone, gps, or other distracting personal belongings could potentially save lives. Another extremely important precaution to take when driving is being a defensive driver. Paying attention to your surroundings and staying defensive behind the wheel decreases the chances of getting into an accident. As well as reduces the chances of an accident being as impactful had the driver not been prepared.

The privilege of being able to drive daily is something that should be taken more seriously. Enrolling in driving courses allows the individual to properly gather facts and information about what it means to be a good driver. Understanding how to properly drive a vehicle and knowing the rules and regulations on the road are vital. Another well known factor in car accidents and related deaths is drinking and driving. More than 10,000 deaths occur annually due to drunk drivers. Remaining responsible while operating a vehicle and not partaking in alcohol or drugs behind the wheel keeps everyone on the road more safe.

Another high-cause of car accidents is weather related incidents. It is important that drivers on the road know how to comply when the weather gets rainy, icy, or snowy. These weather conditions can be deadly, even if you are experienced in driving in these conditions. Extra precaution should be taken to prevent an accident from occurring. Learning how to react and drive through difficult weather conditions was introduced to me in driving school. I was able to learn about things that don’t always apply to me and my environment, but if the instance arises, I am prepared because of the driving course.

I have not personally been in a car accident, but both of my parents have. I remember them recalling the stories to me when I first began driving. My mother had been heading home one night, and she was stopped at a 4 way stop. Once she began driving, there had been a truck that was speeding and drove right through the stop sign and hit her. My mother had been injured pretty badly, and still has neck issues and pain to this day because of the accident. My father had been driving irresponsibly when he was in highschool and had crashed his truck into a neighbor’s house. When my dad told me the story he emphasized how horrible of a situation it was because he had been under the influence. The story has stuck with me to this day, because my father told me that he had gotten lucky and should’ve been dead from the accident. Having relatives or loved ones sharing their experiences with car accidents really allows you to grasp the potential of it happening to you.

Learning from my parents’ stories and experiences allowed me to fully understand the dangers that come along with driving. As a kid I would see my mom engaging in distractions when driving, and I would get so upset because I felt as though she was putting all of our lives in danger. I would remind her to put her phone away when driving and I believe she stopped her distracted driving habits when she remembered all of the experiences we’ve endured with vehicular accidents. Along with my parents first hand experiences, there are a few people in my family who have died due to a car accident. Losing family members and loved ones to a car crash causes you to reevaluate and realize how preventable the accidents could have been. I believe there is a common belief behind driving that a lot of people believe it cannot happen to them personally, but it can.

Even when you fully understand the importance of attentive and safely driving, mistakes can still be made. Although I educated myself on driving and have learned from my family of the dangers that occur on the road, I occasionally get distracted. When I get distracted on the road I usually catch myself and stop whatever I am doing. Although I could easily not look up in time or put someone else’s life in danger. Some things have played out in ways I don’t fully understand, and I have had very close encounters to crashing into another car or being hit. I think it’s important that driver’s get rid of distractions completely, because humans don’t always have the willpower to ignore them.