To take initiative is to think proactively and to take advantage of opportunities that others may let pass by. In other words, it is to take charge. In regards to driving, though it may seem like a no brainer to wear a seat belt, keep two hands on the steering wheel and focus on the road, in many cases, this is easier said than done. Worldly distractions, substances and emotions constantly get the better of us while we are driving. However, it is important to take charge in these situations to bring awareness to prevent hazardous driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents are the number one leading cause of death. However, the number one cause of these accidents and hazardous driving is distractions such as: electronic devices, eating, and talking while driving. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80 percent of car accidents and 65 percent of close calls involve at least some form of driver distraction. Due to the rapid increase in driver distraction due to technology, police have begun ticketing people more often. Though, is this really helping people get the massage that their risky decisions could be fatal? Studies have shown that driving performance is significantly lowered for individuals who frequently engage in cell phone use while driving. Use of cell phones while driving have increased so much that they can be considered more dangerous than a drunk driver. This is because drunk driving accidents are more common at night while an accident involving a cell phone can happen at any moment of any day. Even small, habitual actions such as eating, changing the radio station and even talking to someone while driving can not only involve taking your hands off of the wheel but also your eyes off the road. This diverts your focus and lowers your awareness of your surroundings. In order to safely drive a car, you must make focusing on the road your main priority. To do this, it is best to minimize distractions. For example, putting your phone on silent mode while driving and, or set your radio to your preferred station before putting the car in drive. Awareness and safe driving could not only save you and your family, but also the lives of others on the road.
Additionally, another main cause of car accidents is impaired driving. This can include drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and driving while sleepy. Though all these factors are concerning, drunk driving is the third main cause of car accidents right after speeding. When you drink, use drugs, or drive while fatigued, you lose the ability to focus and function properly as your senses, such as vision and hearing, become impaired and reaction time is significantly reduced. This becomes ten times more dangerous when driving a vehicle. Impaired driving often leads to fatal and sometimes permanent outcomes, whether for the driver or an innocent person on the road. The irony is, all drunk driving accidents are preventable. For instance, planning ahead can be beneficial and as simple as assigning a designated driver. Putting a sober and responsible person behind the wheel sets the expectation and allows everyone to have a good time without risk. If planning ahead is not an option and you find yourself in an impaired state, today's access to Uber drivers is a great resource which could save your life and others. Last, a good rule of thumb to live by when you are going out is that one drink is too many if you plan on driving. Taking advantage of the recommended driving resources is key to preventing and eliminating drunk driving accidents.
Though at this point in my life I have been lucky enough to have not been involved in any major car accidents due to distractions and, or impaired driving, however, there have been many close calls. Driving home at night from an event, me and another car took an exit to pull off the interstate to be stopped at a stoplight. We were in two separate lanes but we were both turning left. As the light turned green and we started to turn, the other car recklessly veered into our lane without warning. As I was not the one driving at this moment I am grateful to say my driver was not distracted but was very aware of the road. With a quick reaction time and two hands on the steering wheel we are able to safely prevent a potential car accident. This experience can also put into perspective that it is not only important to be aware of your actions while driving but also other peoples on the road. This makes eliminating distractions even more important as driving is a very big responsibility that should be taken seriously.