An
automobile literally weighs over a ton. Even at lower speeds,
driving can be dangerous. Car crashes claim thousands of American
lives each year. That is why it is so important that we discuss what
can be done to promote safe and responsible driving.

Accidents
on the road occur largely due to ignorance. This could be ignorance
of the rules of the road, or ignorance regarding what could happen
when said rules are broken. The role of drivers ed should be
to replace new drivers’ ignorance with knowledge and awareness.
Drivers ed programs should aim to help inexperienced drivers
gain confidence and form safe driving habits. By adequately
preparing young people to begin driving, we can reduce the number of
automobile accidents in our country.
In
addition to improving the quality of drivers ed nationwide, we
can minimize the amount of driving-related deaths in other ways. We
can work to eliminate distracted, intoxicated, and underage driving.
We can use technology to our advantage instead of letting it become
the problem. Through an app and/or a simple Bluetooth connection, we
may be able to temporarily deactivate some of a cell phone’s most
distracting features. We can make ignition interlocks, also known as
car breathalyzers, standard in all vehicles. Perhaps we can design a
car with a facial recognition system that cannot be unlocked without
a driver’s license. But no matter how far-fetched these ideas
seem, we can at least make drivers ed courses a nationwide high
school graduation requirement.

While
I myself have not yet been directly involved in a car accident, I
struggled while learning how to drive. In fact, it could be argued
that I am still learning how to drive. Both of my parents have been
in relatively minor car accidents, none of which were their fault.
Because of their general mistrust of young drivers, I am not allowed
to ride in other teenagers’ cars, so I cannot say that I have
witnessed my friends driving irresponsibly. However, my father
occasionally speeds on the highway as a result of moderate road rage,
but I do not plan to follow his example.
To
become a better and safer driver, I can attempt to address any errors
I make when driving, so that they can be corrected in the future. I
can give myself tasks that may increase my visuo-spatial abilities
and my ability to multitask. I can talk to my parents about
developing certain defensive driving skills. I can make a point to
routinely review my Florida driver’s handbook. To help others
become safer on the road, I can remain a positive influence and give
gentle reminders about the seriousness of driving.
Driving
always comes with a risk, but we should do everything in our power to
make it as harmless as possible. Too many lives have been cut short
by negligent and aggressive driving behaviors. That trend can end
now.