All It Takes Is A Second

All
It Takes Is A Second

Driving
is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, drivers ed is
paramount to ensure the safety of the driver as well as those around
them. The sequential advancement from the basics of road rules/safety
to theoretical driving and finally to behind-the-wheel lessons has
been carefully thought out and has proven to decrease the chances of
driving fatalities. As the driving student becomes more familiar with
the different circumstances that may pose a safety threat on the
road, they will become more wary of the effect of their actions. This
realization is necessary to maintain good driving habits at all
times, therefore reducing the number of car-related deaths. 

Realizing
that many students are overcome with boredom in driving lessons as
they feel like they are simply attending school for another hour is a
constant problem. Instead, driving schools should try to make these
lessons more interactive, forcing the students to participate and
therefore gain the necessary skills they need to be successful and
responsible drivers. 

 

I
believe that attending a good driving school to understand and learn
the basics of safe driving is essential to reduce the number of
driving-related deaths. Making conscious decisions to ensure that the
driver puts their phone away, staying alert, following traffic rules
and regulations, paying attention to changes in traffic patterns are
some steps that can be taken to keep us safe. 

  

Vehicles
are usually not the problem as 94% of accidents are caused by human
error. While I have not been directly involved in a car-related
incident, I have witnessed many of my friends driving irresponsibly
in a variety of different ways. Growing up in an era where
smartphones are prevalent and the need to be online at any given
point is at its peak, I have seen how easy it is to think that one
quick glance at a text or Snapchat can seem harmless; however, 26% of
all car crashes are caused by phones. One of my close friends was
recently involved in a car accident because he was sending a Snapchat
to a friend. Although both the drivers came out unscathed, the
potential damage could have been terrible. My grandpa advised me to
give about 5-10 minutes extra to accommodate for unforeseen delays on
the road, rather than rush through to make an appointment. This
mindset of responsibly managing time and tasks is hugely significant
and will be the key to avoiding accidents on the road. 

 

Even
as the world is now under quarantine, we will surely return to
crowded streets and hectic lives. Thus, the importance of driving
safely cannot be overstated. There are many solutions that, if
followed precisely, will greatly reduce the frequency of car-related
incidents. These interventions must occur throughout the numerous
stages of teenage driving, but the first of these should be at the
driving schools.  Without a fully developed frontal lobe,
teenagers make questionable decisions, resulting in ignorance and a
blatant disregard for the rules. Driving under the influence is a
persistent problem and early intervention and zero-tolerance for
repeat offenses will help reduce deaths related to irresponsible
driving. Finally, as we start our car to go to that soccer game or
party, take a second to remember how much life can change in a
split-second. Ask yourself if it is worth it to take that chance.