Safe Travels

Safe Travels

When stepping into the driver’s seat of a vehicle, nobody thinks of the many dangers that could come from getting into a car. Everyone may think or even know that they are no danger to themselves or anybody else when driving, but they do not think about the drivers around them. When driving a car, it is crucial to keep your eyes on the road, and not only the road but on other drivers that may be passing them or maybe watching at a stoplight. For a wreck to happen, it can only take a quick second and within that second disaster could happen.

When obtaining a driver’s license to become a legal driver, most people go through Driver’s Education. The importance of taking the time to go through Driver’s Education is to learn defense when it comes to dangers happening with car accidents and can help teach people how to avoid creating these accidents which would reduce the number of deaths from driving. If more people took the time to listen and learn about road safety, fewer accidents would happen, and nobody would have to lose a loved one in a car wreck that could have been avoided. In road safety, you would learn to always wear your seatbelt, to know your traffic signals and laws before getting behind the wheel, and most importantly, NEVER drink and drive.

There are plenty of great steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. For example, first it is always important to be focused and to have no distractions when driving, meaning keep the music at the tolerable level and reduce the number of passengers in the vehicle, especially if you’re new to the road. Second, ALWAYS make sure to fasten your seatbelt, as well as influencing your passengers to fasten theirs as well, which would keep you safe in case an accident ever occurs. Also, make sure to check your headlights and your taillights/ brake lights to make sure they are working and functioning correctly, as this could also reduce the number of simple accidents. Lastly and most importantly, never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, because it is very illegal and extremely dangerous to yourself and to others around you. Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in fatal car accidents and can even result in death. If you have been drinking, or plan to go out for a drink, consider having a designated driver or a type of Taxi service to safely get you home without taking a risk that could end your or someone else’s life. Also, if you were to witness someone consuming alcohol or drugs and see them enter a vehicle to drive, maybe try asking them if they need a ride home, or for someone to come and pick them up. Operating a vehicle while impaired is against the law and could result in fatality.

All throughout my life, I am certainly thankful for never having to experience being in a car accident, although I have been very close to being in several but always as a passenger in the vehicle. I have witnessed and been exposed to both friends and family driving recklessly and even occasionally driving under the influence. Even with it being your family or close friends, you should still never promote them to drive unsafely or to let it continue. Always try talking to them and explaining the dangers of driving fast or driving under the influence. Show them that life is precious and that driving the wrong way in a car would be a quick way to lose it all. Sometimes people get used to the “feeling” of driving and they forget to think about everything else that comes with driving, and sometimes they just need to be reminded of all the factors that come with operating a vehicle.

For as long as I have been able to drive, I am still terrified of operating a vehicle myself. I know that I am a safe driver and that I trust myself to drive a car, but the worry of other people not driving safely in their cars is something we should all be concerned about. Reviewing car safety strategies and relearning the steps to becoming a legal driver are steps I can take to be a better driver. I can do this for myself, and I can spread the word and help others to be safer on the road as well. I can also know right from wrong and what to do and not to do when being on the road whether it be by myself or with others, precautions should always be taken.

Being awake and aware when operating a vehicle is essential when it comes to being safe. People need to know the basics of driving along with knowing the dangers that could happen as well. Cars are not toys, and unsafe driving habits can result in deadly car accidents that can be prevented. When you get behind the wheel, remember to never enter a vehicle when you have consumed alcohol or drugs for the safety of yourself and others. Also, remember to minimize the distractions such as calling or texting on a cellular device because an accident can occur in a matter of seconds when you take your attention off of the road. With the proper information and lessons going to drivers, we can reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving.