Driving Safely is a Choice

Driving
is such an integral part of daily life for many people, that most
think about it as much as they do about walking down the street.
Therefore, drivers often get too comfortable behind the wheel and
ignore the important rules to follow to drive safely. The first
important step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths
related to driving is to make sure that you are not being distracted
and will not be distracted while you are driving. Distractions can be
in the form of friends or family in the car talking while you are
driving, pets that may be moving around a lot either in the passenger
seat or the backseat distracting the driver. Also, a very simple step
to take to ensure safety while driving is to remember everything
taught in drivers ed. In fact, students who have not taken drivers ed
are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident sometime
in their life. Given how effective drivers ed is, I think driving
should be treated like an activity such as lifeguarding and CPR in
that there should be a continuing education (i.e., taking a refresher
driving ed class) and recertification test requirement. Perhaps a
refresher drivers ed class focusing on driver safety and/or a
recertification driving test should be mandatory every 10 years to
ensure that drivers’ skills have not diminished.

I
have never been in a car accident, but my uncle was involved in a
serious car accident when a woman did not stop at an intersection and
hit the side of his car. I have also seen older relatives being a
little careless while driving, such as opening a car door while
driving on the highway to make sure it was closed properly, or
driving over the speed limit. Experienced but careless drivers are
taking chances and put themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, and
other cars at risk. Many people seem to forget how much damage a
vehicle travelling at only 30 mph (let alone 60 or 70) can cause,
thinking that if they are inside something so sturdy they will be
safe. As a soon to be licensed driver, I will lead by example. Having
seen many dangerous habits of bad drivers, I will make sure my
friends see that: I respect the rules of the road, I do not text or
even check my phone while driving, I will request that they are calm
and do not distract me while I am driving, I will have any pet in my
car safely in carriers, and I do not reach for something on the floor
of the car or the backseat.