Driving at the Cost of Life

I’ll never forget the weight I felt visiting the hospital that day. Trembling legs, cold feet, I opened the door to a few teary-eyed relatives. As much as I hoped to smell a rose, I was pricked by the thorns. As I saw my uncle paralyzed from the neck down, I almost cried.

Leaving the hospital that day, I never forgot the gray hopelessness that tainted my eyes for the following moments. The feeling of insecurity and confusion. How could someone drive on the road, neglecting the fact that their one wrong move could cost them more lives than their own? It was madness.

In the modern day and age, drivers ed is one of the most important ways to increase safety on the roads and it can not only save your life, but others around you, including your loved ones. Learning the rules of the road, the consequences of driving irresponsibly, the correct operation of a car and how to limit distractions are all exceptional components of drivers ed that will give you a return on your investment every day you are alive. Reducing fatalities on the road starts with an action and receiving the right drivers ed is the first step towards a safer road for yourself and others.

I have never been in an accident myself though I am not new to the notion of irresponsible driving where the cause is often a distracted driver. Never could I comprehend how a text message could be more valuable to one than their own life. I am lucky enough to have avoided major accidents although I consider myself fortunate to be able to write this essay in hopes someone reading this can learn and employ several techniques to reduce deaths on the roads and hopefully become safer and more responsible drivers.

Reducing the number of deaths from driving can be done starting with enforcements of drunk driving laws, increasing awareness of the consequences of irresponsible driving. Many governments today employ this technique and should continue to do so. Secondly, eliminating cellphones as distractions for drivers. For example, requiring every driver to employ apps on their devices to restrict their usage throughout the duration of the ride. Apps available today include TextNinja or Apple’s “do not disturb while driving” mode.

Driving deserves your undivided attention and it is imperative that a driver takes it more seriously than the law itself. Obeying the rules of the road, turning your phone to “do not disturb” before driving, using an app to restrict your usage while driving are simple and cost-free ways to become better, safer drivers. Asking someone in the passenger seat to text for you when possible, drawing X’s on your thumbs as reminders or pointing out unsafe driving as a passenger are also effective solutions. But why stop there? Go further! Tell the world, write essays, blog, make YouTube videos or Ted talks! Whatever it takes. No one can afford irresponsibility; no one can afford the cost of life.