In The Driver’s Seat

“In
The Driver’s Seat”

We’ve all been
warned of the perils of reckless driving, but without an awareness of
the true horror that can be inflicted, that message can be difficult
to fully grasp. That’s why as a driver, passenger, and pedestrian I
crave safer roads filled with educated and conscientious citizens. It
is only through education that this can be achieved and sustained.

Driver’s
Education is a crucial program in reducing the amount of lives taken
by driving. With dedicated instructors and careful attention to
accident prevention, the next generation of drivers can turn over a
new leaf. Not only does drivers ed provide an environment
to learn the legal side of driving, it also provides a safe time to
practice with a mentor. This step is especially important because
young drivers are more likely to self-reflect on their driving habits
when someone is watching and holding them accountable than on their
own. This system of monitoring forms more aware and thoughtful
drivers, even when they begin to drive alone.

Awareness is the
first step in reducing the number of driving related deaths. Driver’s
education advertisements and safe driving reminders alone could save
lives. Often drivers become very self-absorbed, thinking more about
getting somewhere on time, rather than potentially saving a life. A
sense of accountability has sparked, and hopefully will continue to
spark safe driving. For example, a system of positive reinforcement
used by insurance companies includes a financial incentive like
safe-driving bonus checks. Other systems like speeding tickets use
negative reinforcement to discipline drivers. This spreads the
message of safety and the duty of a driver to make the roads a safe
place.

Personally, I’ve
been blessed enough to have never been in a car accident. However,
much of my family and friends have. From hitting a deer to missing a
stop sign, we’ve had our fair share of scares. After pondering
these events, I noticed a lot of these accidents came from one simple
factor: a lack of alertness. In our society we take driving for
granted as just part of our day to day lives. We leave for school or
work wondering how quick we can get there, not how safely we can get
there. We’re asking ourselves the wrong questions and putting our
priorities in the wrong order. Things like speed or a text take
precedence over a life.

Throughout my time driving, I’ve accepted the scrutiny of many
friends driving behind me for going slow, otherwise known as the
speed limit. This has worried and continues to worry me to think that
such new drivers have already succumbed to such reckless driving
habits. To ensure a safer way of driving I intend to set out with the
same caution I did the first time I got behind the wheel. Safe
driving is truly a team effort. If no one lets that vigilance and
attentiveness slip, we can save lives.