Practicality and Awareness Can Save Lives

As I write this essay, I am realizing just how little we focus on the
dangers of driving. Just the other day it hit me how normal it had
become to just get in the driver’s seat instead of riding in the
passenger seat. The revelation of how strange it is to just hop in my
own car and go to the gym or to a friend’s house without arranging
plans was startling! Driving becomes so normal we forget just how
dangerous it can actually be and how much responsibility is in our
hands. Drivers ed is so incredibly important in reducing the
death toll of car accidents. If drivers are shown what happens when
they don’t pay attention, if they can be taught before having to
learn the hard way, we would have many more beautiful people walking
the earth with us today. Drivers ed teaches people what to do
when someone else isn’t paying attention, when the weather
conditions are making it hard for everyone, and a million other
scenarios. Learning about these things and practicing them is what
makes drivers competent and safe on the road. I think one major step
that can be taken to keep the deaths related to driving low is to
keep your phone put away, completely out of sight. I myself have the
“Do Not Disturb” function that automatically comes on when I am
driving. This means that I do not get any notifications unless the
person replies urgent to which you are able to know that something is
going on and find a safe place to stop and handle the situation. This
is a great way to keep your attention on the road and not on a
snapchat notification. You can also make sure to have every single
person buckled in no matter the duration of the trip. Another very
important step is to always be on the defensive and assume that other
drivers don’t know what they’re doing so that you are always
prepared for anything. Furthermore, I actually have had multiple
experiences with a particular family member driving irresponsibly. My
sister is on her phone very often, she’s texting and snapchatting
every time she gets behind the wheel. It drives me crazy; I hate that
she can’t put her phone down to make sure she doesn’t get in a
wreck! I should speak up to stop this, I can also be mindful of my
own bad habits. I can make sure to have a radio station selected
before leaving, have the air on the way I want it, and to have every
mirror adjusted correctly. These are basic things but if you aren’t
messing with them while driving, they could save a life! I also can
encourage others to have their Do Not Disturb function on as well!
Remaining practical and attentive on the road is the best way to keep
yourself and others safe!