Name: Chanda Wallace
From: Salem, Ma
Votes: 0
By:
Chanda Wallace
Unsafe
driving has become a popular topic over the past few years due to the
rapid increase in vehicle related deaths and injuries. In fact,
6,296,000 motor-vehicle accidents were reported in the U.S. in 2016.
Teens in particular
are the most at risk for car accidents; teens 15-20 who lack drivers
education are responsible for 91% of teen driver crashes.
This is a big
reason why drivers ed classes are crucial.
Drivers
education teaches new drivers the dangers of driving and the
importance of the rules of the road to keep everyone around them
safe. Many young drivers are not aware of the dangers and treat
driving like a game, such as Grand Theft Auto, where players are
encouraged to drive unsafely. Teens may be desensitized and not think
about the consequences of their actions. Drivers ed reminds
teens what could happen if they drive unsafely using scare videos,
accident statistics, etc. The things I learned in drivers ed. classes
at just 17 years old stuck with me. I am reminded of powerful videos
of teenagers driving carelessly and dying or sustaining life altering
injuries anytime I drive. Those classes taught me a lot and have made
me a safer driver.
Although,
drivers ed is important, it cannot work alone. Another idea
that may reduce the number of vehicle related deaths is breathalyzer
car starters. Far too many people are injured or killed in incidents
of drunk driving. According to an article found on RocketSwag.com,
nearly half of
driving related fatalities in teens is due to drunk driving. If every
vehicle required a breathalyzer, this would save many lives. I
personally have never driven under the influence, but I have been in
vehicles driven by drunk drivers. My stepdad is a recovering
alcoholic and I have been a passenger in his vehicle while he was
drunk. I can say confidently, I never feared for my life more than
when I was driving with him.Thankfully, I am still alive today. This
isn’t the case for my uncle who was killed by a drunk driver. He
was never one to drive drunk, but he was unlucky enough to have been
the victim of another person who chose to drive as such. He is one of
the main reasons I advocate for safe driving.
Despite
being a teen driver, I am aware of the serious consequences that can
erupt from bad driving habits. Anytime someone gets into my car, I
don’t move until their seatbelts are on. Not surprisingly, many of
my peers see no point and often argue with me about putting it on. I
remind them of the seemingly insignificant incidences that can occur
and cause horrible things to happen and this almost always makes them
rethink safe driving habits, such as wearing their seatbelt and they
often applaud me for enlightening them. I will continue to practice
safe driving and will always be the angel on others shoulders
convincing them to do so as well.
