“Safety Takes Everyone”

“Safety takes everyone!” That is the motto at the Home Depot, and it is a pact that everybody must uphold, especially for machine operators such as myself. While the forklifts at work only go a mere 5 mph, it is just as dangerous as driving a car. However, I believe that this motto can be applied to regular drivers on the road as well. While it is important to drive safely to reduce the chances of anything bad happening, it doesn’t guarantee an accident-free trip. Your safety is also dependent on other drivers, as you don’t have control of what happens outside of your vehicle. Therefore, we are taught how to drive defensively. If everyone were to have that mindset of safety being everyone’s responsibility, starting with themselves, then it would allow for a much safer driving environment. 

Obtaining adequate and proper drivers’ education is the first and most important part in ensuring safety on the road. As an older brother of a teen who is dying to get his learner’s permit, I understand just how important it is that he learns the rules of the road and strategies to drive safely. Any distractions or blunders could potentially lead to a fatal outcome, and this phase of our lives is where we make the most mistakes. It is important to be proactive and learn how to maintain safe driving conditions to prevent putting ourselves in a position to make mistakes in the first place. 

As cars become more technologically advanced, it is important to keep drivers education up to date. While more safety features are great, other new features can be distracting. Take hands free calling and texting for instance. While it takes away the direct act of looking down on your phone, it is still a source of distraction and increases the risk of danger. I currently drive a 2007 Honda pilot, and fortunately I have not been in any sort of accident. As I look for a new car this year, I have been in awe of just how advanced they are in comparison to my car. While it isn’t necessarily difficult to adjust driving in a newer car, I believe that it would be useful if drivers ed included an overview of safety features found in most modern cars. Doing so would allow drivers, especially those who are newer or younger, to make the most out of these new additions. 

While everyone can try to drive as safely as possible, we are still human in the end and bound to make mistakes. I believe that another way to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities is to improve and innovate current transportation systems. This includes updating road infrastructures and technology, such as traffic lights. Not only that, but it is also important to improve public transportation in the United states. It would be beneficial to find ways to make public transit more accessible and appealing. By decreasing the number of individual vehicles and drivers on the roads, it would likely reduce the likelihood of accidents occuring.

Before I got my own license and car in high school, my friends used to drive me around. Most of them drove way over the speed limits, even on local roads through small neighborhoods. However, despite being anxious I didn’t say anything as I started to believe that it was normal because everyone was doing it. I believe that it is also important to change the attitude towards driving, especially for teens, as they associate it with speed and recklessness. Their social life is important and going fast or driving high is what’s considered cool. By changing their attitude towards driving, it could lead to safer driving behaviors and habits. 

I constantly share tips that have kept me safe and mistakes I have made with my little brother as he begins to learn how to drive. For instance, one of the rules that I follow no matter what is to never drive under the influence, whether from drugs or alcohol. This is an issue that is prevalent in teens as well as in college. As a college student, I am aware that part of the experience is going out with friends and having a good time. This often includes alcohol and while there is nothing wrong with that, it is important to plan ahead. For instance, I have discussed with my friends or anyone I’ll be with the need for a designated driver, who is chosen before even going out. By taking that step of being a role model, not only am I keeping myself safe, but I hope to be a positive influence for friends and family. “Safety takes everyone,” and that begins with individuals including myself.