Name: Jacob Hoffman
From: Avon, Indiana
Votes: 0
Keeping
the Roads Safe
Jacob
Hoffman
When
on the roads, it is extremely important to understand the
circumstances. People’s lives, including your own, are at stake.
When an individual truly understands the enormous weight of the
outcomes that could happen when driving, I believe they understand
the prominence of keeping the roads safe. You see, one day if an
individual is not practicing proper safe driving techniques it could
be your mom, sister, any loved one, or even you that is not coming
home that day. I am not trying to be a “Debby Downer” but when a
topic is as serious as this, it is necessary to understand what is at
stake.
There
are many ways to ensure you are providing the best possible
environment for you and the people surrounding you while on the road.
Many of these practices are simple fixes that people can do to save
many lives. The biggest way to save lives, according to the numbers,
is to stay off your phone or device that is distracting you. Cell
phone use
behind the wheel
reduces the amount of brain
activity associated with driving by
37 percent. When driving, it is necessary to limit the distractions
surrounding you. In addition, when driving make sure you are aware of
your surroundings. Whether this be cars, pedestrians, or anything
else, make sure you are aware of the location and staying safe. Check
your mirrors constantly and keep eyes moving to make sure you are
aware of all possible complications. Furthermore, make sure you are
keeping your eye on your blind spot and always check before you
change lanes. Life throws all sorts of things at you and can cause
you to be in a hurry. There is no need to tailgate the person in
front of you. It does not get you there any faster and not only does
it practice unsafe driving practices by you, but it could also be a
distraction to the person in front of you. Also, make sure you are
slowing down when roads are slippery because if you take a turn to
fast, the outcome will not be favorable. Drivers must also practice
defensive driving. Defensive driving means that they are anticipating
potential dangerous moves that other cars could make around them to
prevent accidents. There are many more ways to practice safe driving
but to sum up my points: make sure to use your common sense and drive
smart. Always keep the daunting consequences of unsafe driving in the
back of your head.
My
parents have always emphasized to me how important it is to drive
safe. You see, I have 3 younger sisters that they have me transport
to certain events pretty often. I do not know what I would do if
something had happened to them and how I would live with the guilt of
knowing what I had done. I have set my priorities while driving in
order that way I can assure that I am driving safe and doing my part
to keep the roads safe. My parents have set good models for me to
follow while driving and always remind me to keep those in my head.
However, I see unsafe driving all the time on the road. Whether it be
someone on their phone while driving, someone not checking their
surroundings, or even someone not checking both ways before pulling
out in front of someone. In fact, today I was on my way home and I
was going straight through an intersection and a car turning right
pulled out as I was about to enter the intersection. It is a rainy
day so good thing I was watching my speed and was able to brake
without hydroplaning and rear ending the car in front of me. I braked
in time because I saw him starting to roll out and I anticipated him
pulling out in case he didn’t see me. This move could have
potentially saved my life and a lot of money.
In
conclusion, driving has many heavy risks. Some of those you cannot
control. You can’t control how the people around you drive. But you
can control your mentality while driving and the safe driving
practices that you learned in your drivers ed. If you
practice your safe driving techniques you will be able to put
yourself and cars around you in a safer environment and potentially
save many lives.
