As the number of people traveling on the roadway steadily increases, there is a greater risk of being involved in a car accident. In 2023, there were around 127,597 motor vehicle crashes in Virginia. Driving risks will continue to increase as the amount of traffic on the road steadily increases, which is why it is extremely important to drive in a way that will save the most lives - not end them. In order to drive in a responsible manner, one must complete driver’s education, be educated in ways to reduce automobile related deaths, learn from past experiences, and take steps to keep everyone safe on the road.
Safe driving begins with the way one is taught to drive. Road skills we gain with our parents and driving teachers are the ones that will kick in when there is a split second to decide how to handle a tough situation on the road. Many crashes occur because one's natural instincts have not been trained in the proper way. They overcorrect or jerk the wheel leading them to crash. In order to obtain a driver’s license, a person must first go through driver education. This education consists of classroom instruction and behind the wheel. Driving scenarios, traffic laws, and techniques to save lives are all topics discussed in the classroom instruction. In order to do behind the wheel, one must have a specific amount of day and night hours to be eligible to get their license. The next step is to drive with a driving instructor to demonstrate one's safe driving habits and ability to drive. Driver’s education ensures that one knows how to drive safely and has the proper instincts to reduce the number of deaths that occur each year on the road.
Although driving comes with the risk of a crash that can lead to death, there are many ways to reduce the number of deaths associated with driving. The first and most important is to wear a seat belt at all times when riding in a car. In a 2017 study, seat belts saved around 14, 955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 if they were wearing their seat belts. Seat belts prevent a person from being ejected from the vehicle, protect internal organs, prevent serious injuries, and more. In addition to wearing a seatbelt, the number of driving-related deaths could be significantly decreased if drivers would take steps to reduce or eliminate distractions. The biggest distraction driver’s face are phones. They believe that they can text and drive safely, but in reality they are putting hundreds of lives at risk. It is impossible for the human body to safely multi-task. Therefore, when driving, you must be singularly focused on driving, not a phone. Last, deaths can be reduced if drivers would stay home during inclement weather. Many feel they can handle the icy roads because they are good drivers. Black ice is the most dangerous part of driving in the winter because it is not visible on the road, and no matter how good a driver you are, no one can safely drive on black ice. Wearing seatbelts, reducing distractions, and staying off of the roads during bad weather are all ways that will save the most lives and prevent driving related deaths.
The ability to drive safely and reduce deaths also comes from learning from past driving accidents and close calls. When I was about four years old, my grandmother got into an accident with my brother and I in the car one night. A car pulled out from a shopping center and slammed into the driver side of my grandmother’s car. No one was hurt because we were wearing our seatbelts. From that day forward, when I get into my car, I drive with a defensive mentality and watch out for people pulling out of any intersection. They may think they have enough time to make it across the road or into a lane, but they may not. It is important to watch any car waiting to pull out onto the highway because they may not be paying attention to their surroundings like the lady that hit my grandmother while I was in the car. Reducing deaths starts with learning from past incidents, which helps you become a defensive driver.
In order to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become a safer driver on the road, I can be sure to adhere to all traffic regulations in place, be a defensive driver, and abstain from distractions. Following the speed limit, keeping safe following distances, and obeying traffic lights is a key to being a safe driver. Defensive driving allows me to watch out for other distracted drivers and protect everyone on the road. Making sure that I keep my eyes on the road at all times will not only save my life, but the lives of those around me on the road.
Safe driving starts with me, and it is important that I do my best to adhere to all driving laws to keep all people on the road safe. The habits discussed above are ones that others have to practice too. Safe driving is a collaborative effort to reduce deaths among drivers. Drive to save lives, not end them. Buckle up Virginia!