The Rizz of Driving Safely

I think the biggest importance of having a driver’s education is to promote experience which can reduce deaths caused by driving. Experience in a driver can make or break the confidence of the passengers in the vehicle. Moreover, an experienced driver has the physical and mental memory to make the correct decisions when they are on the road. I believe it is vital to have that necessary knowledge as most Americans will drive at some point in their lifetime. I also believe that, as drivers, we also need to recognize our own personal relationship to driving as it can affect our driving habits. As drivers, we need to be more responsible and considerate of others since we are sharing the roads with other drivers as well as pedestrians, bikers and public transportation.

Another great tip to reduce the fatalities related to driving is for all new and experienced drivers to reread their states drivers manual after they have their license. It is beneficial to drivers because they are not reading it with the intent to memorize anymore but to truly understand and practice/implement on the road. Furthermore, it requires minimal effort, and the reward is even better: becoming a better and responsible driver. One step that all drivers can implement while driving is reducing the number of distractions in the car while driving. A way to do this is to enable the driving mode on your mobile device (if this applies to you). This feature silences any notifications and sends an automatic response to anyone who texts you while driving. Additionally, set your mobile device to wireless or Bluetooth and connect it to your car if it is necessary, freeing your hand from moving away from the steering wheel. Moreover, utilizing share-ride services such as Lyft and Uber can be great resources to not only prevent driving under the influence but driving related deaths. Another simple step to avoid car related deaths is learning how to manage our stress while driving on the road. An important aspect of this is acknowledging that you are not the only drivers on the road; we have elderly and newly licensed drivers on the road. A little patience and consideration can go a long way. Furthermore, recognizing and acknowledging our attitudes and behaviors when we drive can prevent road rage and accidents. Another step that can be implemented in reducing the number of deaths is following the speed limits. Many deaths related to driving are attributed to going over the speed limit.

Fortunately, I have never been in an accident, however I have seen a few of my friends and family drive irresponsibly. Often, I have seen my friends and family distracted by their phones or texting while driving. In instances like this, I always offer myself to assist them with whatever task they want done while they are driving. This is also why I always remain alert when I am in the passenger or back seat just in case of emergencies or just so that someone else besides the driver is alert to the roads.

One step that I will personally take to become a safer and responsible driver is to be the example for my young beloved ones. When driving with them, I actively practice defensive driving so I can demonstrate what a good driver is supposed to act and behave. When driving with my parents and other adults I observe them and how they drive and learn from their mistakes. Another step that I will take is to follow the speed limit. I believe that following the speed limit demonstrates responsibility and taking your safety and the safety of others seriously; it is also an easily avoidable way of preventing any accident. Another step that I will personally take is to reread the driver’s manual guide every couple of months to refresh.

Additionally, I like to listen to certain music and songs when I drive so before I leave my house or establishment, I make sure I have that prepared before I leave. This also applies to setting my GPS/directions ready as well as sending any texts that need to be sent. Furthermore, I always inform a loved one where I am going to be or plan to be so in case of emergencies–someone will have at least had an idea where I should be. Additionally, I always encourage my friends and family to use the driving mode when they are in their cars or suggest using wireless features in their car. Moreover, if they are unable to use these, as stated previously, I or someone else in the vehicle will become the person that handles their phone for AUX, directions, etc. so they can focus on the road ahead.