“In 2021, 69 people died in car crashes in New Orleans, which is the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2004” (Wells, 2022). As a New Orleans resident and new driver, this is very scary. I realize that the road can be a dangerous place for even experienced drivers, however I do believe that there is something we all can do to make the road a better place for everyone. Safe driving is not just a set of rules; it is a responsibility that each individual behind the wheel must embrace. Educating yourself on the proper rules of the road is just one way to create a culture of safer driving. It’s highly important that you educate yourself in the proper speed limits, the proper parking guidelines, and other driver education rules. Having those rules in mind each and every time you get on the road can allow for a more pleasant experience on the highway. According to statistical data, a significant number of accidents and fatalities occur due to reckless driving and violations of traffic rules. By embracing safe driving practices, we actively participate in reducing these unfortunate incidents. However, being knowledgeable isn’t the only way to reduce the number of deaths related to car accidents. There are other steps one can take to do their part. For example, not texting and driving is one way to help reduce the number of car accidents per year. Other steps would include, leaving earlier when traveling to avoid rushing, preventing operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and adhering to the speed limit when driving. Accidents can be caused by all these things relatively quickly. All of these are examples of distracted drivers, or drivers who are doing other things while driving.
A more formal definition by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA): “Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” Distracted drivers are robbing themselves of minutes of their lives. Driving takes a person’s full attention and when you do not pay attention, accidents can happen. Driving demands our full attention, as even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to serious consequences. Having the rules on hand and keeping your full attention on the road is the absolute best way to avoid accidents with other drivers. It is best to pull over and get off the highway in order to limit being distracted by other things in your car while driving. We think that we can handle all of these other things while driving, however that should not be the case. In my personal experience, I was involved in an accident with a family member due to her attempting to answer her phone while driving myself and other relatives to a family event. It was a total of four passengers and the driver where the driver was attempting to answer her phone and drive, but her phone dropped on the floor and she attempted to pick it up. This caused her to look down and drive right into a park car on the side of the highway. Thankfully, no one was injured, however it was a little scary because things happened so quickly. The car was immovable, and no one was in it. Being involved in an accident such as this definitely showed me how things can change in a moment.
In conclusion,as a new driver, I know I can do a few things to help ensure that others and I become safer on the road. I can use hands-free devices, set GPS beforehand, adjust music and controls beforehand, secure any loose items that I may need while driving, require passengers to wear seatbelts, avoid eating while driving, silence or put down my phone, on long trips to rest or take breaks to avoid falling asleep at the wheel, do not operate a motor vehicle while I’m under the influence of anything, and above everything stay calm while driving. I believe that all of these things can help make the highways safe and provide more awareness in order to avoid accidents. In our fast-paced world, staying focused while driving requires intentional efforts to minimize distractions. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and by committing to distraction-free driving, we contribute to creating a safer and more harmonious driving environment for everyone.