How Getting Behind the Wheel Affects Others

Elaine
R. Gunthorpe

Driving
Essay

31
March 2020

How
Getting Behind the Wheel Affects Others

Driving
a vehicle is a privilege not a right. It is a huge responsibility
that needs to be taken seriously because lives are at stake when one
chooses to drive. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle does affect
others. One must learn to drive carefully and follow the rules of
the road in order to be affective.

Learning
to drive can be a stressful undertaking. Taking a driver’s
education course, from a trained professional, can alleviate some of
that stress. While taking the course, the student masters the
concepts and effectively learns the rules of the road. The student
gains
a clear understanding of the material, the knowledge of basic driving
information and laws, and acquires the ability to physically learn to
drive. This creates a useful environment for students that better
prepares them for testing and driving once they acquire their
license.

There
are roughly 1.3 million people who die in car accidents worldwide
every year. That is an average of 3000 deaths per day. Young
drivers, ages 15-44, account for more than half of all road traffic
deaths. Fatal car accidents are the nineth leading cause of death
for all people. Sadly, these statistics are staggering and show no
sign of improvement.

There
are however safe methods that should increase safety while decreasing
driving accidents. Some examples would be to properly maintain your
vehicle with periodic maintenance checks; stay alert and focused
while driving; be mindful of others in sharing the road; drive within
the speed limit especially when road visibility is uncertain and
impaired; drive sober; use a hands free mobile device when driving;
drive
defensively; and
always wear the seatbelt. Wearing the seatbelt reduces risk of death
by 40% and decreases risk of serious injury by 50%. These are
methods that should always be followed for safe driving.

As
a driver, I have seen car accidents on the road and have had family
members in car accidents. Usually with those accidents, the driver
at fault had taken his eyes off the road for a split second, was
distracted or in a hurry, tired, or worse texting. A phone
in the car can be a distraction so place the phone out of sight.
This allows for a safer drive. Even in today’s world, people
get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. Studies have
shown that this combination impairs driving and can be fatal.
Driving under the influence is harmful not only to the one driving
but also potentially harmful to the others on the road.

People
are usually in a hurry. It’s the world in which we live. Driving
responsibly is a must. I recommend all drivers plan ahead, use
caution, stay alert, and drive defensively. These
are very important innovative ways to stay safe on the road and
arrive alive. One must be smart when getting
behind the wheel because it will affect others.