Driving: A Look at Preventative Measures to Combat Automobile Accidents

Many American drivers are at risk of accident because they lack proper education and caution. Driving is all too often seen as a right rather than a privilege, so people do not take their education seriously. Drivers ed is, however, one of the biggest proactive accident prevention measures because it ensures that drivers know the laws and safety of driving. Additionally, prospective drivers are required to pass a written and driving test before getting their full license. This alone helps to reduce driving deaths by making drivers aware of the risks involved.

Even so, accidents still happen. This is because people drive carelessly or forget what they learned in their driving handbook. To reduce the number of deaths on the roads, drivers should regularly review their state’s handbook, eliminate distractions, and use caution while turning and changing lanes. Reviewing the driving handbook will sharpen the driver’s memory on what to do in certain scenarios. It would also be beneficial to maintain complete familiarity with all the functions of one’s own car, including upkeep. They can eliminate distractions and handicaps by making sure to drive sober and awake and by keeping their eyes on the road by not texting. They should always wear their seatbelt so that if they do get in an accident, they will have a lower risk of injury.

I was in an accident earlier this year, and thankfully no one was harmed, but there were some warning signs that we could have considered to avoid the accident. First, my grandpa was driving, and he -- being in his 80’s -- did not have the sharpest eyes or reaction time. Secondly, we were driving on a windy, mountainous road at sunset. The accident occurred because my grandpa was blinded by the light and did not see that the cars in front of us had slowed to a stop. Thankfully, my dad was able to warn him before he demolished the car in front, but my grandpa was not able to respond quickly enough to avoid hitting them altogether. If we had not all been wearing seatbelts, there may have been some injuries incurred. Overall, this accident taught me the importance that the driver’s age and physical state plays in the avoidance of accidents. I also learned that the physical world can provoke accidents, so it may be wise to stay in when it is icy or foggy outside.

Overall, drivers need to be aware of the driving regulations and physically capable of safely driving a car. It should be everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the drivers they know are acting safely. If someone’s eyesight is declining or they continually drive drunk or text and drive, their loved ones should try their best to stop them from engaging in this reckless behavior. It only takes one mistake to end someone’s life. Cars have consequence when used irresponsibly; therefore, education and awareness are pivotal to reducing automobile accidents and fatalities.