Together, We can make our roads Safer

“I can go wherever I want now!” We all have had a similar thought when we were first able to drive a vehicle. Sometimes, we can be so blinded by our exhilaration that we fail to see the responsibilities that come with driving. Safety, when it comes to driving, is not an individual task but rather a group effort. To make sure everyone can be safe on the road, we must all be held to the same standards and have access to the same knowledge when driving. That is the reason why driving education is crucial in reducing deaths related to driving. It teaches people the skills and thinking necessary to deal effectively with situations on the road and avoid accidents.

Some steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first one is a change of mindset concerning driving education, particularly amongst young drivers. Young drivers often see driving education as a short term event. They may handle it similarly to a test for which they cram for a day before to get a good score. That is to say, drivers may seek to perform well enough to pass the lessons rather than form long lasting habits. Drivers need to change their mindset that driver’s education is an obstacle placed in front of their freedom. Instead, they should view it as a starting point to cultivate lifelong values, habits, and safety. The second step is to hold ourselves and those around us accountable. If we observe someone trying to drive under the influence we must stop them. There are many alternative transports such as apps like Uber or public transport such as subways. We should not let others drive under the influence because we believe paying for a ride will be “too expensive” or taking public transport will be a “hindrance”. These things we perceive as troublesome cannot justify risking our and other people’s lives. The same accountability needs to be put in place for ourselves. Speeding, whether we are late or to gain a thrill, is not the correct answer. Driving is not where one should try to either make up their shortcomings or satisfy their desires while people’s lives are on the line. We must always make sure to respect the speed limit as it was placed for our safety above all else.

Another step is to avoid erratic decisions stemming from emotion. An example of this is road rage which is often downplayed for the harm it can cause. Drivers may result to shouting or dangerous driving methods to intimidate the source of their anger. In such instances, the driver may have tunnel vision with the sole goal of getting back at the source of their frustration. This causes them to become less aware of their surroundings and increases the danger they pose to others.

Drivers should ensure to do routine checkups. Some avoid this unless they are forced to do so by either the government or an issue on their car. It may seem minor but a slight issue with your brake could lead to the difference between life or death. If we start to understand and reflect on our decisions before making them, many deaths related to driving could be reduced.

I have been in a car accident in the past. As we were exiting a roundabout, a car behind us tried to overtake us by violently swerving to the left. However, they were too close to us which caused them to hit the backside of our car. Fortunately, a deep dent on our car was the only harm that occurred. The other driver decided to remain irresponsible by attempting to deny their fault in the ordeal. They tried to blame it on us by saying that we should have gone faster. This specific car accident showed me that lack of accountability is a large cause for accidents on the road. If drivers continue to feel blameless and justified with their actions, it will be difficult to reduce deaths on the road. A person who cannot accept to take responsibility will see no wrong in repeating their mistakes which can lead to worse outcomes.

There are some habits I can improve to be a better and safer driver. For one, I can increase my awareness of my surroundings. That would mean not only checking who is behind me when I want to turn but instead frequently. This would increase my safety on the road as I would be able to see dangers and react more effectively. For example, someone speeding and trying to switch a lane improperly. Another thing would be to always have my car insurance up to date. I have been in a car accident where the other party did not have insurance. Insurances are not only meant to protect you but also save the people you may harm. I must also make sure to maintain a safe distance between me and other cars if I want to be a safe driver. The driver in front of me may need to brake abruptly if for example, an animal suddenly crosses the road. If I am too close, it is likely that I will not react fast enough which may lead to an accident. If we all work to increase safety on the road, we can reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Together, we can make our roads safer.