Name: Evan David Williams
From: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Votes: 0
The
constant reminders to drive safely are more than just mere rhetoric;
they are a call to anybody operating a vehicle to be aware of their
driving, and how tremendous an effect it can have on others. The most
important method of teaching safety on the roads is through driver’s
education, an aspect of the license process often overlooked by
teens. However, it is safe to say that effective drivers ed
can save thousands of lives on the road, as safer driver’s yield
much lower accident rates. Essentially, knowing how to be a safe
driver, as well as knowing the rules of the road, can mean the
difference between a smooth ride and a devastating accident. Many
steps can be taken to improve one’s safety on the road, the first
of which comes with being more aware of other drivers, road
conditions, and your surroundings. Driving dangerously fast through a
snowstorm can be catastrophic, as well weaving recklessly through
other cars on a crowded interstate. Another important aspect of this
is knowing the technique of being a safe driver. This includes
knowing what to do when near a careless motorist, being mindful of
your stopping distance, and being aware of the speed limit at all
times. Sadly, unsafe driving habits can still cause damage even to
those who are doing everything in their power to drive safely. I have
had multiple friends experience accidents with motorists of these
types, including enraged tailgaters to individuals who choose to
drive intoxicated. This experience can be life changing for anybody,
my friends being no exception. On the matter, they consistently tell
me that being in an accident makes them more fearful of being on the
road, and it instills a belief in them that driving is truly a
dangerous task. This is incredibly unfortunate seeing as how their
accidents were largely out of their control, and that this is solely
the consequence of dangerous driving habits. Hearing these stories
makes me extremely conscious of my own driving, as I strive to be
sure that I am not becoming a risk to others sharing the roads. Quite
frankly, driving safely is a much simpler task than some make it out
to be, and it resides in the little things one can do to improve
their driving. My areas of personal importance include always being
conscious of my speed and the roads I’m on, as well as the speed
limits in those areas. Additionally, I constantly make sure I am
fully aware of my situation and surroundings, always checking my
mirrors to see where the cars around me are located and if any
hazards lay ahead. Lastly, I keep my full focus on the road,
eliminating distractions such as my phone or loud music. These
factors apply directly to the teachings of a drivers ed
course, making the knowledge in these courses much more valuable than
many make it out to be.
