Driver Education consists and plays a crucial role in reducing the number of yearly deaths on the road. Helping drivers understand the necessary knowledge and skills in order to become a safe responsible driver. Including some steps needed to be taken in order to reduce the large number of deaths is promoting more awareness.
Driving is an everyday essential needed to get by. It’s heartbreaking to think that someone can just be going on a ride to the next stop and be unaware that they won't make it back home. A lot of these times these crashes occur because of the bad mistakes that people choose to make. Including the following drunk driving, cell phone usage and other substances or objects that come into a distraction.
To reduce these numbers of deaths we can promote more awareness and campaigns that influence more people to feel empathy and do the right thing. Although in some cases many people don’t listen to these awareness it's more than essential to enforce more traffic laws following speed limits and improve road infrastructure. The officers that drive around to protect our community can only do so much. Making sure that all roads are well properly maintained and provide a clear view. Additionally, encouraging the use of safety features that are in vehicles such as, seat belt reminders and emergency braking can help prevent accidents and minimize how severe the injuries can be.
As drivers what we can do is make sure we obey all traffic laws and regulations. Avoid all distractions that prevent us from giving all of our attention to the road. Avoiding eating while driving and having to multitask in the car is not a safe decision. Making sure that we aren’t taking any substances that will affect our consciousness even if it's just a small number of beers. Always obeying all speed limits in all areas and using signals. Another important aspect to remember is by looking after the vehicle and maintaining it well. Check the tires often and brakes, lights in good condition. Always be aware of all surroundings and scan the roads ahead helping you react much faster.
As a sophomore in high school and kids start to get their permits everyone’s so excited to start driving. I had a childhood friend in high school that had just received her license and would invite me to go out during lunch. On a specific special day we decided to go get food from a different town. It was extremely raining and as we got on the freeway I noticed how close she was getting to the car in front of us. We only lasted about 10 minutes on the freeway when the car in front of us slowed down extremely fast and we didn’t have enough time to react or brake because she didn’t have a big following distance. As she tried to swerve out of the lane a semi truck hit us as we went in the same lame. The car behind us struck us forward and we hit the same truck in front of us again. We pulled over after the beaten up honda civic was smoking air from the engine. It was the most terrible experience I had myself. The moment the semi truck had hit us I hit the window it felt as if we were in the final destination.
That ride made me realize the importance of having a larger following distance especially in much more rough weather conditions. I couldn’t be in a car on a freeway for a couple of months since then because of the accident. Making sure that you are well aware at all instances will make sure you’re a good driver. Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Keeping a safe following distance from all cars around you from front, behind and sides. Looking back at that year now it made me realize that I saw that crash coming. My stomach hurt badly before we left and as we got into the freeway I noticed and felt the crash coming. The truck in front was slowing down braking way too fast and I mentioned moments before the accident how awfully close she was getting to the truck.
Remember that being a safe driver not only protects you but all people that are around you. Making sure you encourage everyone in your life and even strangers to prioritize safety. Together as a community spreading awareness can help make a difference and help save a life each and every day. Helping others by choosing to do the right thing.