Driving is a Full Time Job

“Driving is a full time job.” This is the phrase that I have heard my father say from the time I was little. He would describe, as he was driving, all the things that you have to look out for and how to avoid dangerous situations. At the time, I would roll my eyes and say, “Yes, sir.” But now I realize that there are so many things to think about when you are driving and making sure that you are paying attention to it all can be a bit overwhelming. There are ways, however, to ensure that you are educated and have taken the necessary steps to be safe while driving.

Driver’s Education is immensely important when you are just starting out. Having an instructor that goes over the rules of the road and helps you to cement these in your memory helps you to have the information at hand when it is needed. A driving instructor can point out the main reasons that accidents happen and help their students avoid them. As laws change, this instructor can keep their students up to date with what is expected of them as they drive. Many times, accidents happen due to simple fixes such as, not using a blinker or failing to yield. These are areas that a driving instructor can emphasize and this may cut down on careless accidents.

There are many ways to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One big issue is speed. Drivers are in such hurry to get where they are going and slowing down can help to avoid reckless mistakes. Wearing a seatbelt at all times would keep more people safe even in low speed accidents. Distracted drivers can be the worst problems in causing accidents resulting in deaths. Cell phones, radios, screaming kids, eating in the car and the like are all ways drivers can be distracted. Lessening these distractions would help to keep more people focused on the road.

My parents are pretty responsible drivers but I have an uncle that drives fast and tailgates at times. It’s scary to ride with him. I have never been in an accident and hope that I never am, but I have had some close calls while driving to school or to work. I feel like most accidents can be prevented with a little bit of forethought. When I have driven by an accident and have seen the after effects, it causes me to think about how that could have been avoided and how I can keep myself out of a similar situation.

Steps I can take to be a better and safer driver are many. First of all, I can set up my music, phone, mirrors and air conditioning before I leave my driveway. I purpose not to text or call while I am driving so I don’t touch my phone until I get to my destination. I believe that most things can wait until I am in a safer situation than while driving. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds to adjust a mirror or the air could cause me to miss something and cause an accident. Secondly, I always wear my seatbelt. Because I am so used to it, it doesn’t bother me and will save me from a world of hurt. My mom knows a person who was thrown from their car because they were not wearing their seatbelt and now deals with chronic health issues as a result. Thirdly, I double and triple check my surroundings when backing up and don’t rely solely on the back-up camera or sensors. There are many times that the sensors don’t pick up an obstruction until I am already moving. Being alert and aware of what’s around me can keep me safer as I am backing up or turning around. These are just a few but the list of safe habits can go on and on.

I can help my friends to be safer drivers as well. It’s not the coolest thing to be the “voice of reason” when your friend is the driver but it could help to save our lives or the lives of others. I try to help my friends remember to wear seatbelts, drive more slowly and to avoid distractions while we’re on the road. I think the best way to be safe on the road is not to get complacent about safety and make it a priority each time I get in the car. It doesn’t matter who I am with or who I might be trying to impress. Getting from point A to point B safely is the ultimate goal. And remember, “Driving is a full time job!”