Name: Matthew Gauthier
From: Tempe, AZ
Votes: 0
Millions
of people decide to drive on the road every day, but for many, it may
be the last thing they ever do in life. Several thousands of drivers
die each each at the wheel because of unsafe driving or driving
conditions. More people have died in car accidents than soldiers in
wars, and the number is not going down. With all the safety
technology regulated today, how are cars still being more unsafe than
a deadly war zone? Drivers ed, or lack thereof, is one of the
biggest reasons drivers have accidents. When driver’s do not
understand what the road laws are or why they are in place, drivers
tend to be in more accidents. If laws are understood and followed
correctly, than less accidents should occur. However, drivers can get
lazy and not follow simple laws like stopping at a red light, turning
into the correct lane, and not being on an electronic device. Drivers
need to understand that these laws not only help keep drivers safe,
but improve the flow of traffic. Although not a law, but a way to
improve traffic flow is driving to the merge point and zipper
merging. Too many drivers impede traffic by blocking merge lanes, not
letting someone merge, or merging too early. Educating and testing
drivers on the proper way to drive and the driving mindset would help
lower accident numbers, and in turn, lower deaths by accidents as
well as improve general traffic flow. In Arizona, I have almost been
in an accident several times due to improper driving of another,
older driver on the road. I have been cut off, blocked in, and almost
thrown into other cars because another driver refused to be courteous
or was angry or just stubborn. Also, I believe that drivers should be
educated on not only road laws, but their own personal car as well.
If a driver doesn’t understand the size of his/her car and makes a
turn or lane change incorrectly, it could lead to an accident. I have
several friends that have small cars, but drive them like they are
semi trucks, and have almost caused accidents because of it. I have
friends that drive a little too erratically and push their car past
its limit sometimes. This kind of driving can be unsafe and will
eventually cause an accident. However, I am no saint either. To
improve my driving, I believe I need to drive more conservatively and
be more courteous to other drivers and possible maneuvers they may
make. If I do this, I believe that my driving experience will improve
and that I will create a safer driving environment.
