Name: Jada Thompson
From: Sicklerville, NJ
Votes: 0
As
my parents would always say, “Not only are you driving for
yourself, but you are driving for everyone else.” From that moment,
every rule, instruction, and guidance my parents presented me with
was never dismissed. After receiving my permit and learning how to
drive, I have noticed many distractions from drivers on the road that
could have resulted in minor or major car collisions. Safe and smart
driving skills can help decrease distractions that include putting on
makeup, eating, utilizing electronic devices, fatigue, adjusting the
heat, etc. Many may assume that participating in these actions might
not appear to be a big deal, however accidents can occur in the blink
of an eye. Surveys reveal that most car accidents happen between one
to five miles of the driver’s home which is why drivers ed is
so important. Having the knowledge and practice of safe driving
skills could reduce many fatal accidents from occurring by knowing
what quick decision to make in an anticipated situation.
Although
decreasing distracted driving may seem simple just by paying
attention to the road and not participating in the activities listed
above, but there are many other ways one can take part in preventing
accidents. One way to decrease the number of deaths caused by unsafe
driving could be mandating a safe driving course that will educate
all drivers about the dangers of reckless behaviors. Before allowing
one to receive their license, it should be required to pass a test
following a defensive driving course with a specific percent of
accuracy to ensure that one knows the laws, rules, and regulations of
how to reduce driving risks.
Fortunately,
I have never personally experienced a car accident but I have been a
witness to them as well as closely avoiding them by the fast reaction
of my parents. There have been times where I have seen the other
driver display careless driving behaviors such as texting and
driving, applying makeup; all which could place the driver and others
at risk of an accident. This goes to show that not only do you have
to drive for yourself, but you have to drive for others in cases that
require you to react quickly. No matter how experienced of a driver
one may consider themselves, at no point should risky behaviors take
place while behind the wheel. Even though it may take a minute at
most to send off a text, that is still enough time for an accident to
occur as the drivers’ eyes are being taken off the road.
All
in all, regardless of the many distractions that could result in
accidents and/or fatalities, I believe that the most common
distraction is the use of mobile devices. Because of this, I think
that everyone, including myself, should take one second to enable “do
not disturb” until you have reached your destination. This is one
major step that we all can take in order to be a better and safer
driver in keeping ourselves and others safe. Sending a text message
that could wait is not worth risking your life as well as the lives
of others. Another step I can take is to obey the law and know right
from wrong. It is essential that one keeps in mind the rules and
regulations of driving and reminds others about them as people tend
to bend or ignore them. Just by abiding by the laws put into place,
we all can decrease the amount of deaths caused by reckless driving
which will ensure a safer community as we continue to teach the next
generation by being a positive role model.
