Name: Gabby Ellis
From: Greeley, Colorado
Votes: 0
Gabby
Ellis
Safety
of the Passengers
Vehicle
accidents are not always provoked by the driver, by reason of the
likelihood that the passengers distract the driver or do something
that prevents a safe journey. Luckily I have never experienced an
accident myself, but when I think about the times that I have come
close to being in an accident, there are usually ways it could have
been prevented. Although the driver has responsibility to keep the
vehicle in control and following the laws of the road, it is hard to
keep focused on these aspects and keep the passengers in the car in
control too. Out of respect for the person driving, others in the car
should refrain from being loud, blocking windows, and trying to show
the driver something that will take their eyes off the road. Imagine
trying to drive straight, break before hitting cars, staying below
the speed limit, make the right turns or exits, listen to a friends
story, and check mirrors and windows frequently, all while trying to
decide where you’re going to eat before making your final stop. The
mind is very powerful and capable of multitasking, but this specific
example of a situation is way too chaotic and can cause an accident.
It is important that people are aware of the laws of the road, but it
is just as important that they are aware of the laws that should be
in place within a car. When a teenager is partaking in driving school
and studying for their permit test, rules and regulations of being a
passenger should be included. It should also be recommended that new
drivers set boundaries for any passengers that enter their vehicle,
similar to the school buses that have the rules printed and taped to
the interior. These rules can vary, but some examples are wearing a
seatbelt at all times, no yelling, music volume must remain under 40,
etc. With these actions in place, it will be less likely for people
to be distracting the driver and risking their safety. As a driver
myself, I always take precautions to make sure my I know where I am
going, use my indicators, and assure that my passengers are wearing
seatbelts. Some people see it as being paranoid but I have always
been taught to live by the phrase “better safe than sorry”.
Setting this tone for myself and those around me will help to reduce
dangerous drivers and prevent less death caused by vehicle incidents.
