As a young driver, it is very easy to overlook the dangers associated with operating a vehicle. We have grown up in a world where multitasking is common, and things can be done at the push of a button. When driving, though, multitasking can have horrible consequences and one button push can be the difference between staying safe or getting in a wreck.
Being a safe driver is very important to me, and while I think I am a good driver, I am always trying to improve. I believe that to become a safer driver you first must identify areas in which you can do better.
One of my biggest distractions is connecting my phone to the car to play music or an audiobook. I often forget to do it before I leave or am in a hurry, so I do it while driving. This has proven to be dangerous for me. One time I was connecting as I was driving out of my neighborhood, and looked up to realize that I was drifting toward the sidewalk, as well as almost missing a stop sign. Thankfully I realized before anything bad could happen, but it was a close call.
In addition to connecting Bluetooth, I also get distracted by trying to change what song is playing. I generally just shuffle all the songs in my library so sometimes a classical song will come on when I want to listen to rock or vice versa. When I skip songs, I tend to look over at the display to see what song it is changing to, which means I am taking my eyes off the road. If I am turning on an audio book it takes even more time. This has led to me drifting briefly out of my lane in the past.
Aside from music, it is very easy for me to get distracted by what is going on around me in the car. I drive a family vehicle and am the oldest of four children, so it is often my responsibility to pick up and drop off my younger siblings. It is not a rare occurrence for my siblings to get into an argument in the car or try to have an involved conversation with me, which can be very distracting. My little sister in particular has a penchant for starting energetic conversations or asking me to look at something while I am driving.
Along with driving my siblings around, I am not the only one who drives that car. This means that I need to adjust the mirrors and seat almost every time I get in the car. However, I generally forget to adjust the mirrors when I am parked and do not realize that they are not right until I am on my way and need to adjust them while driving.
All of these are things that I can work on to become a safer driver. I can give myself more time before I leave to get my music sorted and take the time to adjust my mirrors. Giving myself extra time also reduces the risk of speeding, because I will not feel like I need to rush to get there. Being distracted by my siblings is not so easy a fix, but I could have a conversation with them about not starting arguments in the car and saving our conversations for later. Of course, I cannot eliminate them as a distraction, but I can reduce the extent of their distraction.
Becoming a safer driver myself is also a good way to help others drive more safely. As I mentioned before, I often drive my siblings around. This means I set the example for driving, and if I drive safely so will they. For example, I drive at the speed limit and use my blinker which sets an example for my siblings. I also will sometimes narrate what I am doing which helps me stay focused and shows my siblings my thought processes so that they know why I do some of the things I do.
I can set an example as a safe driver for those around me on the road as well. By driving safely and predictably it makes it easier for everybody around me to do the same. Slowing down early so that I don’t have to brake as hard, turning on my blinker in plenty of time, and driving the speed limit are all things that keep myself and everybody around me safe.
As I continue to become a safer driver, I hope to inspire others, especially my siblings, to make the road a safer place to be.