Better Safe Than Sorry

I am sitting in the driver’s seat, waiting for the light to turn green like I do every day after school. Suddenly, I hear a loud crash and feel my car lurch forward. I step on the brake as hard as I can and see four cars behind me do the same thing. I turn into a nearby church and ten minutes later I see cops everywhere. A driver who had been on her phone had caused a four car collision. No one was hurt, but through my tears I thought about how it could’ve been so much worse and how easily this could have been prevented. As a relatively new driver, I know the importance of focusing on the road and being safe. Drivers Ed was the first step in becoming educated on the rules of the road. Though it may seem long and tiring, the things I learned there stuck with me and helped me on the road. Being educated before you get onto the road can save lives. It may seem as though it is common knowledge, but imagine if you didn’t know what a yield sign meant? Or the difference between a green arrow and a solid green? As a driver, making sure you are educated on these little things can make the difference between being safe and being dead. Approximately 1.35 million people die from car accidents every year, and in addition to being educated on the road, there are other steps you can take to reduce this number. Firstly, wear a seatbelt! In 2017, of the 37,133 people killed in a car accident, 47% were not wearing a seatbelt (NHTSA.gov). Buckling up can save your life and the lives of others. Additionally, don’t use your phone while driving. As a young driver, I know it’s hard to wait to send back that message or snapchat, but it’s better to wait then have the potential risk of killing yourself or another. Looking down for just a second can cost lives. My experience in a car accident helped me realize the simple steps one can take to prevent it and to be a better and safer driver. One thing you can do is “drive defensively”. You never know who else is on the road and how much they know, so always be aware, even if YOU have the right of way. This helps you and others on the road stay safe. Staying alert and being aware of your surroundings while driving is key, and ultimately can reduce your chances of being in an accident. Remember- it is always better to be safe than sorry!