Beep Beep Drive Responsibly

Driver education can lead to reduced numbers of driving-related deaths as they educate new drivers to be cautious on the road. Driver education’s goal is to teach young drivers how to drive safely and responsibly. Young teens enter driver education excited to begin their driving journey but, with little to no knowledge about laws and regulations of the roads. Driver education prepares teens for the roads by teaching driver judgment, driving rules, and allowing them to practice driving. In addition, driver education educating its students, it can also lead to teens feeling confident and comfortable with their driving abilities. Also, driving education can teach defensive driving skills to students as they are gaining driving experience. According to studies, driver education is associated with lower incidences of both crashes and convictions. Lower crashes and convictions may lead to a lower number of deaths as 95% of car crashes are a result of a driving error. Driver education can lead to reduced numbers of driving-related deaths as they educate new drivers to be cautious on the road. Driver education is important in reducing the number of deaths while driving. 

Unfortunately, many road-related deaths could have been prevented if drivers took precautions and driven with responsibility. There are various ways drivers can be responsible on the road to prevent driving-related deaths. One-way drivers can be responsible is to obey all traffic laws. As simple as driving laws can be, they are broken every day. If each driver were to hold themselves accountable and obey the traffic laws, there would be fewer crashes. For example, do not speed, yes, even if you are in a hurry endangering your life or others’ lives is not worth it. Driving undistracted is another way to be responsible on the road. Texting, eating, talking- anything that brings your attention off the road is distracted driving. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,142 deaths were caused by distracted driving in 2019 (2020). Another way drivers can be responsible on the road is to drive sober. NHTSA also reported that in 2019 10,142 people’s lives were claimed due to drinking and driving. Lastly, driving while well-rested is important to be able to drive responsibly. As, driving while sleep-deprived reduces alertness, coordination, and judgment, which can lead to driving errors that result in death(s). 

Some steps can be taken to be a safer driver and help others be safer drivers as well. It is important to put your phone on, do not disturb, or silent mode before starting your car to drive. Preventing yourself from distracted driving can decrease the risk of a car accident occurring. Before starting your drive, ensure everyone in the car is buckled up to prevent injuries that may arise from an accident or if the brakes are stepped on forcibly. While driving, do not go over the speed limit as they are in place for safety reasons. When there is inclement weather, it is especially critical to drive slower than the stated speed limit to avoid skidding. When one is behind the wheel, they should keep a good distance between their car and others. It is safe to have distance between yourself and the driver ahead to give you sufficient time to brake if needed. Also, being aware of your surroundings while driving is important, watch for pedestrians and bike riders. Raising awareness and informing friends how to be a safe drivers can also help them, and others be safe drivers. 

When I am in the car with friends and family, I am quick to call them out if they drive irresponsibly. I have friends who try to multitask while driving. For example, some of my friends text or try to put mascara on while driving. I inform them they need to focus on the road, and it is dangerous to drive distracted. I remind them it is not worth risking their lives or others’ lives for a text or whatever else they have in mind can wait. Personally, I take driving precautions and responsibility seriously. I, unfortunately, have lost a friend named Sarah due to a car accident. Sarah was only 17 when she passed away and there is not a day that passes by when I do not think about her. On June 27, 2017, Sarah and her friends were driving home from an amusement park. A suburban was switching lanes on the freeway but due to traffic, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The suburban then hit the car Sarah and her friends were in. Sarah and her friends were transported to a hospital, where Sarah would succumb to her injuries. There are many Sarah’s in the world who have unfortunately lost their lives due to vehicle accidents. I hope this scholarship helps bring awareness to the importance of driving cautiously to prevent and decrease deaths.

References

“Distracted Driving.” NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving. 

“Drunk Driving.” NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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