Name: Brooklyn Mills
From: Weatherford, TX
Votes: 0
Although
many see it is a right, driving is a privelege. This entitled
attitude contributes greatly to the unsafe driving epidemic that has
caused driving to be one the leading causes of death today.
Unfortunately too few people understand the power they hold when
driving and that they could hold someone’s life in their hands as
soon as they enter the road. Today’s drivers should be more aware
of the deathly impact they could have, as well as ways they can
improve their safety as well as those around them.
The first step of
driving is first the education we receive before we ever even begin
to operate a vehicle. Before someone can even begin to think about
driving they should be properly educated about rules of the road as
well as their vehicle. Although some may view this education as an
unnecessary step it completely vital in order to ensure safety on the
road. If someone was to get onto the road without knowing the rules
they could drive in the wrong lane of traffic, go when the light is
red, turn as someone else is going, or hitting someone by going past
the speed limit. The education is important as it teaches how roads
operate and what signs mean so that drivers can understand how to
drive within different areas safely because the roads within their
town may not have the exact same roads within other towns. Although
there are some things some drivers may never come across if they
never travel outside of their town it is crucial that they’re
equipped with this information, so that in case they do come across
it they know how to proceed.
It easy for
drivers, especially experienced drivers, to not pay as much attention
to factors that could affect their driving, however; these must be
addressed before driving in order for drivers to be safe. One of the
first steps is that the driver should assess their current mental and
physical state. One of the effects that can lead to distraction among
drivers is their impairment mentally or physically, for example if
they’re distraught or worried and rushing to get somewhere in an
emergency, or if they’re drunk/high. If they feel that they are in
the right state to drive, not shaken up and sober, they should make
sure they are prepared for whatever conditions are around them. For
example, if it is raining they should make sure their windshield
wipers are function properly and should make sure that they are
watching their speed and being even more cautious. The next step
should be to put away anything that could distract the driver from
paying attention to the road, that means setting the radio to a
station they like, adjusting the temperature, and putting their
phones away where they won’t be tempted to use them, especially
inexperienced drivers. Although phones have began to be used for
music and a GPS if they absolutely must be used they should be used
strictly for that purpose only, and then put away immediately, as it
serves to be the top distraction to drivers. Ultimately drivers must
have the responsibility to assess themselves, their vehicle, and
their surroundings.
There are drivers
constantly surrounding us who choose to do things they know are an
endangerment to not only their safety, but the safety of those around
them. Personally I have never been involved in a major car accident,
only a fender bender, however had the driver who hit us not swerved
off slightly we would’ve been hit full force on the back, rather
than only having a clipped corner. But I have seen my family and
friends use the wrong behavior when driving. My dad is notorious for
getting on his phone while driving, and then using his knees to
steer. My sister takes after him in the same manner, texting
constantly while she’s driving, even on the highway. Anytime I see
them driving irresponsibly I make sure to point it out to them and
how unsafe it is, even offering to send a text for them if it is that
important, or telling them if we begin to veer. Although it may be a
nuisance to them I’d rather bug them to get their attention then
ignore it and let us get into an accident.
Ultimately it is up
to the driver to take responsibility for their actions and understand
the dangerous impact they could have upon someone. Steps that I take
personally to make sure that I’m being safe is to put my phone away
as to not be tempted to use it, unless I have to use it as a GPS,
which I set my course before I begin driving and have it on voice
commands and try to look at it as little as possible. I also make
sure that everything is adjusted to my liking before I begin so I
don’t have to worry about being distracted while I’m driving
trying to fix something. Not only do I make sure that I’m not
distracted I make sure that I am constantly aware to those around me
and I don’t get distracted to make sure I don’t miss someone’s
signal. To help my family and friends I always make sure that they
put their phones away as well and if something is important then I
offer to do it for them, or if they need to grab something or adjust
anything. If I ever notice unsafe practices I make sure to mention it
to them so that they can fix it and tell them its out of safety not
only for them but for others on the road as well.
In closing drivers
must constantly be aware to not only themselves, but those around
them. In case of accidents they must be prepared to take
responsilibility for being irresponsible, and understand that they
had a choice and chose to put themselves and other drivers in danger.
In order to avoid these things drivers need to be properly educated,
and put away any distractions that could jeapordize their safety, and
constantly make the choice to be a defensive driver.
