Driver Education 2020 – Clean up Your Driving!

Marissa Klock

Drivers ed
Initiative Award

01/11/2020

Drivers ed Initiative 2020:
In the Driver’s Seat

Did you know, that in America, more than 30,000 people die yearly
from car accidents? That’s more than the American Revolutionary War
in 1775. If you were to go into combat and serve your country, you
would be more likely to be safe than in a car. In this essay, we will
be evaluating the consequences of being negligent on the road, the
importance of being a safe driver, and how to be safe on the road.

You are driving distracted if you are; not giving your full attention
to the road, to the cars around you, and to the speed limit. There
are three types of distracted driving:

1. Manual Distractions: If a
   driver takes their hands off the wheel to adjust the radio, reach
   for a coffee cup or other item, or to pet their dog, this is a
   manual distraction.

2. Visual Distractions: If a
   driver takes their eyes off the road to look at a text, glance at
   an accident, or even peek at their kids in the back seat, this is a
   visual distraction.

3. Cognitive Distractions: If
   a driver takes their mind off the act of driving to think about
   dinner, conjure up a grocery list, or to daydream, this is a
   cognitive distraction.

In order to limit distractions on
the road, turn your phone onto Driving Mode, wait to drink your
coffee until you encounter a red light and keep your mind and eyes on
the road in front of you. Even conversations can become distracting.
Limit your talking while driving and turn down your radio. You radio
may be so loud that you can’t think straight or that you can’t
hear the ambulance sirens behind you until it is too late.

Drivers ed has become more
and more important in our daily lives. If you don’t know how to
operate your car, then how can you be safe on the road? In my
personal experience, I have been in a two-car accident. I was backing
out of my driveway and I rear-ended my friend’s car. Minimal damage
happened to my car but her entire back panel to her car was
completely smashed up. I forgot to look behind me as I was backing
out and hit her car. If I had taken a couple seconds out of my day to
look behind my car, I could have prevented this accident.

In conclusion, there is always a
way to keep your driving safe. Keep your eyes on the road in front of
you, put your phone on silent, and wait to drink your coffee until
you are at a full stop. Remember, cars are a few tons in weight, and
they can do an unimaginable amount of damage.