Take 5 For Safety

In my perspective, driver education holds equal importance to learning how to walk. It establishes the fundamental knowledge that allows society to communicate with one another on the road regardless of spoken language, disabilities, or diversity, while sharing a common objective of moving from one point to another. Just as you wouldn’t teach a child to run before they can walk or ride a bike before they understand staying on the sidewalk, driver education provides individuals with the opportunity to take preventive measures before encountering unsafe conditions. It equips them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions that safeguard both themselves and others.

A significant number of individuals drive with only the basic knowledge of how to ensure their own safety and that of others, thereby increasing their likelihood of being involved in accidents. This is typically due to their failure to undergo a driver’s education course, which teaches crucial information such as skill development, encouraging a sense of responsibility, anticipating hazardous situations, managing emergencies, defensive driving techniques, and awareness of the risks associated with impaired driving. Some individuals might grasp the concept of stopping at a red light, but they may lack understanding of what an appropriate response to a flashing yellow light or the absence of any traffic signal would be. On top of that, they may not have any sense of personal responsibility because they are unaware of the number of deaths associated with individuals driving without seatbelts who end up being propelled through the windshield in a head-on collisions.

My initial measure in reducing the number of driving-related fatalities is to advocate for “Take 5 for Safety”. This concept involves individuals dedicating five minutes before hitting the road to reflect and assess the necessary safety precautions they should take before reaching their destination. These precautions may include placing their phone out of reach, fastening their seatbelt, or reminding themselves that there is a bush obstructing a stop sign on their route to Granny’s house, requiring a careful slowdown.

Secondly, I would ensure equal opportunities for low-income families who may not have the financial means to afford driver’s education. In today’s world, $600 can be a significant burden for many families struggling to provide for their children’s basic needs. One approach could involve offering a sponsored elective class on driver’s education at high schools for junior and senior students, or providing a free online course accessible to all. To further encourage participation, a scholarship could be awarded to the top-performing student in the program. I would be genuinely interested in examining the statistics regarding low-income students who are forced to drive unregistered vehicles due to the need of securing employment to support essential expenses that their parents can’t afford.

To decrease the fatality rate among drivers of all ages, not solely adolescents, the implementation of the following measures could prove beneficial. First, enhancing the enforcement of traffic laws, ensuring stricter licensing requirements, encouraging the purchase of newer vehicles equipped with advanced safety features. As well as, improving road infrastructure, including signage and road conditions, can contribute to safer driver environments. If we engage the community to report potential hazardous locations or provide suggestions, this could help identify key issues in various county areas that may have gone unnoticed thus far. Promoting a one-time raffle winner for anyone with useful information, may give enough incentive to get more people involved.

I have personally experienced an accident that could have had far more severe consequences than it did. At the time, I was around 19 years old and on my way to work. I needed to make a left turn into my workplace’s parking lot but had to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. It’s worth mentioning that this incident took place in a rural area with limited visibility. Unexpectedly, I was rear-ended by a much larger SUV, causing my vehicle to be pushed into the oncoming traffic lane as I was thrown forward into my steering wheel. Fortunately, I had my seatbelt on, and the oncoming traffic had just passed before the collision occurred.

The driver of the other vehicle approached me, cell phone in hand, asking if I was alright. In that moment, all I could think about was what I might have done wrong. The individual who hit me claimed not to have seen my turn signal, but I distinctly recall waiting for a significant amount of time for the traffic to clear before making my turn. This incident let me to believe that when someone exits their vehicle with a cell phone in hand, it is highly likely they were using it while driving. It is possible that either party involved could have been at fault, but regardless, an accident happened when I least expected it. This event prompted me to make significant changes in my approach to driving.

Presently, I have adopted several safety measures and habits while driving. I consistently ensure that both myself and my passengers are wearing seatbelts without exception. In certain situations, particularly on winding roads, I tend to drive below the designated speed limit to maintain control and enhance safety. Regularly checking my mirrors enables me to stay aware of potential hazards in my surroundings. If I require GPS assistance, I set it up before commencing my journey and route the audio through my car’s speakers. It is a firm rule for me to never hold my phone while driving.

In the event that my toddler becomes upset or distressed in the backseat, I prioritize their well-being by pulling over to address their needs. Rather than attempting to assist them while driving, I ensure their comfort by giving them toys or juice once it is safe to do so. Furthermore, I have three nieces who are currently learning to drive, and I take responsibility to educate them based on my own experiences. I offer guidance and correct their driving techniques when necessary. I explain the concept of “Take 5 for Safety” to them and emphasize the importance of being aware of hazardous conditions. If they do not feel ready to navigate highways, we avoid them altogether. I always encourage them to ask questions and practice on roads that may cause driving anxiety to build their confidence.