Practice Makes Perfect

“Practice
Makes Perfect”

“Practice
makes perfect” is an old saying that has been around for decades.
When you practice your piano lessons, gymnastics routines, or
dribbling a basketball you get better and better. The same cliché
applies to safe driving. A person that practices safe driving will
perfect it on the road each and every time. There are several
important reasons drivers can take to educate themselves about the
overwhelming number of deaths as a result of driving carelessly.
First, some drivers have the need for speed. They are always in a
hurry therefore they run the red light, without thinking about the
consequences it may bring. Drivers should get up in a timely manner
so an accident can be avoided. Second, seat belts should be worn at
all times. It is the law and it reduces the chances of being thrown
out of the car. Third, drivers should stay abreast on the changing
laws, policies, and regulations governing the state in which they
live in.

The
steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to
driving is to have visual pictures of accidents posted in the DPS
office, as well as making accident videos available for viewing
before taking the road test. There should be a safety class that
stresses the importance of seat belts, speeding, drinking, and being
under the influence of a controlled substance. The online program is
great, but it needs more substance than just reading and answering
questions. It should have a link or an app with a driving simulation
activity too.

I
have never been in a car accident, but my father is an alcoholic and
always driving under the influence. He has 3 DWIs, lost control of
his truck and ran into someone’s front porch, his license has been
suspended for a period of time, and he was just arrested in January
2020 for being passed out at a red light. This time he is facing
probation, or 3 years possibly in prison. He is a Disabled Vet and
served two tours in the Iraqi war. I can be a driving mentor for him
and help put rules in place for those who are suffering with PTSD.

The
steps I would take to help others become safe drivers are, be an
advocate for my friends and family and have a check list on my phone
to share with them before starting the car. It would be a 5 minute
mini lesson that consist of 1) put on your seat belt, 2) adjust your
mirrors, 3) be mindful of the traffic and signs, 4) make sure your
horn works, 5) no texting, 6) put your cell phone on blue tooth mode,
7) play your music on a level, so you can hear sirens and emergency
vehicles, 8) don’t eat while driving, 9) don’t be under the
influence of a controlled substance, 11) detect road rage and call
911, 12) last, but not least always drive safely because “practice
makes perfect.”