I obtained my driver’s license and started driving when I was seventeen years old. Within the first two years that I had my license, I was in an accident. It was one the most terrifying experiences of my life and it was preventable. I had failed to review and use the driver education that I had acquired when I first got my license. As a result of this, I was in an accident that could have been worse than it was. This experience led me to be more attentive when I drive, especially to other cars on the road. Many people die each year because of driving, and I am sure many of them may be like the accident I was in- preventable. To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, drivers should be required to attend mandatory refresher courses every two years to continue and promote safe driving. This initiative-taking step will ensure that drivers are reminded of the rules of road safety, hopefully preventing deaths related to driving.
One harmful habit that I have experienced myself and seen others do is texting while driving. Last year, my friend and I were driving to Montreal. It was a five-hour drive, and she was texting while driving for most of it. I called her out on her behavior, but she did not stop. Honestly, it was a scary moment because I know how dangerous it can be to take your eyes off the road even for a second. We, fortunately, did not get into an accident but it could have easily happened because of her negligence. I think that if drivers are required to do refresher courses, it will wake them up to the reality of the dangers of driving. When I was driving consistently, I would frequently be distracted on my phone and nearly get into accidents. After this happened a few times, I made an intentional effort to never use my phone while I am driving. I have my directions on Google Maps set up before I even turn on the car. I make sure that I have music playlists set and lined up so I will not have to grab my phone to change the music selection. I unfortunately learned my lesson from having countless close calls with traffic accidents. I do not want others to learn these lessons the hard way- from getting into accidents and getting injured. Mandatory refresher courses every few years will teach these lessons to people without them having to learn from experiences like mine or before it is too late. The refresher courses will include information about all the scary statistics related to driving. Irresponsible driving is preventable, and people can learn how to be more careful when driving. It can also make people aware of any new distractions that may have evolved in this time. One thing that I can do to be a better and safer driver that can help others is to be attentive while driving.
I love driving. It is one of my favorite things to do. I find it relaxing and the car a wonderful place to think. The steps I can take to be a safer driver are to not only be more attentive while driving but also to continue educating others on driving habits. Like what I did with my friend that was texting and driving, I think that educating those around you also helps to cultivate safe driving habits in others. Spreading awareness about how to drive safely is a fantastic way to help inspire safe driving in others. Sharing your own experience of accidents with others can assist in helping others have safe driving habits as it can deter others from making the same mistakes. I taught my younger sister how to drive and was able to share my own driving mistakes so that she would not repeat them. I am happy to say that my sister is a safe driver and has only experienced one very minor accident that was not her fault.
In conclusion, cultivating safe driving habits is important. It could be a matter of life and death for drivers. Car accidents are common, and though not all are preventable, many of them are. A mandatory refresher driving course every two years will help drivers stay informed of road safety thereby preventing driving related accidents and deaths. The importance of road safety is paramount and can prevent injuries and death related to driving. Taking a refresher course can help drivers remain aware of car safety and drive safer.