Practice Safe Driving to Keep Others Safe

Driver’s education is so incredibly important; it provides a solid foundation for new drivers which outlines the rules of the road, proper driving etiquette, and valuable practice with an instructor or licensed adult. Unfortunately, driver’s education can only go so far in reducing the number of deaths because of driving, and the class is not a requirement if you are obtaining your license after you turn eighteen. Those of us who do not take the driver’s education class are doing a disservice to themselves, and others, but it ultimately comes down to the individual to practice safe driving and be cautious on the road. You cannot control other drivers; you can only control yourself.

Some steps that would greatly reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road would be for the cities and states to maintain the quality of the roads. Where I live, potholes appear like magic every day and will often go days or weeks unnoticed. This can be dangerous for drivers who do not see them in time, as a popped tire at highway speeds can be extremely dangerous, and also for drivers who weave around the potholes to save their cars from a flat but put themselves in the way of other drivers. Fixing the roads in a timely manner is very important in keeping our roads safe. That being said, road construction can also be a contributor to accidents. Lack of construction signage for road or lane closures can cause unexpected bottle-necks that cause drivers to break very quickly which in turn decreases the reaction time of the drivers following. It is very important that anyone working on or around the roads maintains safe practices, so as not to contribute to driving accidents.

There are also a few steps that individuals can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first is to practice safe driving, and abide by the rules of the road, as you drive. This includes always using your seatbelt, keeping your seat the recommended distance from the wheel, making sure your hands are at their recommended wheel position, using your turn signals appropriately, and keeping your eyes on the road. The second step is to stay aware of your surroundings; keep the music low or off so it’s not a distraction, instruct your passengers to be quiet, courteous, and wear their seatbelts, and keep your phone out of reach and out of your hand. There is nothing more dangerous than a distracted driver. Ensuring that you keep yourself distraction free is the best thing you can do for yourself and others on the road.

I have personally never been in an accident, but I do see dangerous driving every time I am on the road. There are times when I see drivers keeping too close to the car in front of them, this decreases their time for reaction and essentially guarantees, at the very least, a fender bender. I have also seen a variety of erratic driving which includes drivers frequently switching lanes, passing in the breakdown lane, speeding and weaving between cars, and crossing multiple lanes of traffic to take an exit last minute. I have also witnessed friends of mine texting while driving. Despite having Bluetooth technology in their cars, they will still pick up their phones and type away while driving. These kinds of driving behaviors make the roads incredibly unsafe for everyone. When driving in this manner, you are not just putting yourself at risk but everyone around you.

Two friends of mine did find themselves in accidents with tractor trailer trucks very recently. Both accidents occurred because they were driving along the side of the truck, and the truck driver did not see them as they merged over into the occupied lane. They both attested that their driver’s education helped them to keep a modicum of control in the situation, and luckily neither one of them was hurt. However, both accidents could have been avoided by not traveling next to the truck to begin with. Since those trucks have such large blind spots, it is incredibly dangerous to drive alongside them for an extended period of time. It is best to maintain a safe distance or, when the situation allows, to pass them when you can. As I stated and will keep repeating, you can only control yourself on the road. Keeping yourself out of dangerous situations helps to keep others safe.

I practice all the safe driving tips that I have listed in this essay. I make myself into a better, safer driver every day by keeping myself a safe distance from any erratic driving I may witness. If I keep myself away from dangerous situations, the odds of being involved in an accident is reduced, and thus reduces the odds of entangling other drivers into an accident. I also make sure that I do not follow anyone too closely, and I keep myself a healthy distance away from tractor trailer trucks, emergency vehicles, and vehicles that stop frequently like buses and garbage trucks. I always wear my seatbelt and make certain any passengers are wearing theirs before we hit the road. I also keep my phone well away from me as I am driving; no call can be important enough to risk my life. As before, you can only control yourself and your own driving. The cars around you are unknown entities, and dangerous behaviors can present themselves at any time. Staying alert and distraction free is the best advice for everyone to follow. Staying aware increases your reaction time to dangerous situations, and ensures the roads are kept safe, and deaths from driving can be greatly reduced.