It
is crucial to receive proper education on how to drive safely. It is
up to the driver to apply and take the knowledge they learn
seriously. According to Oregon’s Department of Transportation, in
2018, 91% of crashes for teen drivers were due to lack of proper
drivers ed. While this statistic does indicate the
effectiveness of drivers ed, it only addresses a certain
population: teens in Oregon. Unfortunately, educating people does not
ensure complete safety, but it does have an impact.
With
the existence of ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, it is
much easier for people to avoid driving on the roads if they feel
they are unfit to drive. Insurance companies also play a role in
encouraging drivers by implementing programs that reward the practice
of safe driving habits.
I
noticed one of my friends was not being the safest driver. He even
got pulled over for going at least 30 miles per hour over the speed
limit. Some of his friends, myself included, sat down with him. Not
only was he putting his life in danger on the highway, but his idea
of “having a good time” could seriously hurt others too, even
though it was not his intention. Having us talk to him made more of
an impact on his driving habits, on top of the trip to court and fine
he had to pay.
Another
one of the primary causes of driving-related deaths besides speeding
is drunk driving. As drinking is a personal choice, it is often hard
to control others and their habits. The best course of action is to
raise awareness and encourage responsible drinking. I remember one
night, my older brother was hosting a party at his house. He wanted
to buy some more drinks for him and his friends, but knew he was
unable to drive. So, he called on me to take him to the gas station
nearby. He knows his drinking limits, and he felt fine to drive, but
to play it safe he put me, someone fully sober, behind the wheel
instead. By encouraging this type of behavior, the roads can become a
much safer place.
Using
the phone while driving can also lead to fatalities. Texting and even
making phone calls can distract the driver. Whenever I am driving, I
use the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” function on my phone. That
way, my phone alerts others that I am not using the phone because I
know how dangerous it can be. The automated message sent also
includes instructions on how to contact me in the event of an
emergency. This simple preventative measure provides added security
not only to myself, but to other drivers on the road. I tell my
friends, “Text me when you get there.” Whenever my mother is
driving, she passes the phone and asks me to send out texts or make
calls if they’re urgent. In doing so, she can pay more attention to
the road to get home safe.