Name: Aleah Erickson
From: Tyler, TX
Votes: 0
Driving Mindfully
By Aleah Erickson
Driver
education is often not taken very seriously, due to people believing
they are great drivers so nothing will happen to them. However, the
reality is that nobody can predict when an accident could happen.
Drivers ed is essential for understanding how to be a safe
driver yourself, as well as providing things not to do while driving.
Studies have proven we cannot multitask even decently well. It is far
more easier on yourself, (and safer) to just get where you are going,
and then take care of whatever you need to whether that’s a text,
picking up something that fell off the seat, or eating a snack. It is
so important to understand how things can change on the road in a
matter of seconds, which is why it is necessary for everyone to have
their full attention on driving safely. Drivers ed is essential
to everyone, but especially new drivers.
Steps
that can be taken to reduce the number of accidents would include a
law that requires drivers to only do hands free calls, texting while
driving could result in a ticket, and even silence your phone. I
personally don’t touch my phone for any reason while driving, because
it stresses me out to pay attention to many things at once even if
its changing a song. I remind myself that it only takes a few seconds
for something to change, so I dedicate all my attention to driving. I
think it’s best to keep your cell phone somewhere in your car where
you can’t reach it while driving so it will decrease the temptation
to go on it.
I
personally have been in one accident in the last 2 years that I have
been driving for. I was going home after a school function which
ended in the evening so it was pretty dark outside. I drove onto the
highway, and then I exited off, and got in the right lane to turn
right at the next road that branched off the frontage road I was on.
As I was close to turning right, I heard brakes screeching very loud
and didn’t really think much of it (due to the fact I’m used to all
sorts of road noises being in Austin). I then committed to my right
turn and the guy that was slamming on his breaks, was the same guy
that rear ended me. I was in a pickup truck at the time, so that
helped diffuse the whiplash from being worse. He was going about 50
mph as he ran into the bed of my truck which pushed my forward a good
amount of feet as I was on that branched off road. I was shaking from
being in shock, I immediately pulled over and parked. I got out to
look at the damage, and called my mom. I was about 3 minutes from
home, so she was able to come quickly and help me. We talked to the
cops and sorted things out. We learned the guy that rear ended me was
reaching for something in his passenger seat, which is why is
reaction time was so slow. His car was completely totaled. The next
day, I could still drive my truck to school, however I was feeling
really nauseous, and I had back and neck pain. I eventually started
to go to the chiropractor 3 times a week, on top of a heavy school
load. It became really stressful for me, but it helped my neck get
back to normal (I had a couple vertebrae out of place nothing crazy).
It was a hard time for me to get my chiropractor appointments paid
for by the guys insurance company. I had to argue with them quite a
bit, but they did eventually cover my visits. Although this was scary
for me, I am so glad it wasn’t worse.
As
I have said above, I truly believe the best way to promote safe
driving is to hide your distractions. Place your phone where you
can’t reach it, if it that important just pull over to deal with your
phone. People should constantly be aware of what is happening around
their car. I constantly keep my eyes moving which helps me stay
focused and know what cars are around me. Lastly, to stay safe: do
not speed. Speeding can lead to deadly consequences of you or your
friend, or another family/person on the road. Be smart about driving,
and stay safe!
