Name: Shiva Bakshi
From: Brampton, ON, Canada
Votes: 0
I’ll
never forget the weight I felt visiting the hospital that day.
Trembling legs, cold feet, I opened the door to a few teary-eyed
relatives. As much as I hoped to smell a rose, I was pricked by the
thorns. As I saw my uncle paralyzed from the neck down, I almost
cried.
Leaving
the hospital that day, I never forgot the gray hopelessness that
tainted my eyes for the following moments. The feeling of insecurity
and confusion. How could someone drive on the road, neglecting the
fact that their one wrong move could cost them more lives than their
own? It was madness.
In
the modern day and age, drivers ed is one of the most important
ways to increase safety on the roads and it can not only save your
life, but others around you, including your loved ones. Learning the
rules of the road, the consequences of driving irresponsibly, the
correct operation of a car and how to limit distractions are all
exceptional components of drivers ed that will give you a
return on your investment every day you are alive. Reducing
fatalities on the road starts with an action and receiving the right
drivers ed is the first step towards a safer road for
yourself and others.
I
have never been in an accident myself though I am not new to the
notion of irresponsible driving where the cause is often a distracted
driver. Never could I comprehend how a text message could be more
valuable to one than their own life. I am lucky enough to have
avoided major accidents although I consider myself fortunate to be
able to write this essay in hopes someone reading this can learn and
employ several techniques to reduce deaths on the roads and hopefully
become safer and more responsible drivers.
Reducing
the number of deaths from driving can be done starting with
enforcements of drunk driving laws, increasing awareness of the
consequences of irresponsible driving. Many governments today employ
this technique and should continue to do so. Secondly, eliminating
cellphones as distractions for drivers. For example, requiring every
driver to employ apps on their devices to restrict their usage
throughout the duration of the ride. Apps available today include
TextNinja or Apple’s “do not disturb while driving” mode.
Driving
deserves your undivided attention and it is imperative that a driver
takes it more seriously than the law itself. Obeying the rules of the
road, turning your phone to “do not disturb” before driving,
using an app to restrict your usage while driving are simple and
cost-free ways to become better, safer drivers. Asking someone in the
passenger seat to text for you when possible, drawing X’s on your
thumbs as reminders or pointing out unsafe driving as a passenger are
also effective solutions. But why stop there? Go further! Tell the
world, write essays, blog, make YouTube videos or Ted talks! Whatever
it takes. No one can afford irresponsibility; no one can afford the
cost of life.
