Seeing a vehicle swerving on the road because the driver is using the phone is not uncommon. The Chicago Tribune reported that 25% of drivers used a phone before having an accident1. Therefore, more drivers are encouraged to use hands-free devices instead. But, according to Driver's Alert, a driver's safety company, hands-free devices are four times more distracting than talking to an adult passenger1. As a result, responsible drivers should download apps that block text and calls while driving; doing so would almost eliminate the temptation of looking at the phone while driving.
While my dad was driving my sister and me down a windy road, a truck behind us considerably accelerated and pasted us on a curve. After passing us, the truck continued accelerating far exceeding the speed limit. Sadly, drivers seemingly do not realize the danger of speeding. A 2016 survey by EverQuote Auto Insurance found that 42% of drivers do not believe going 10 mph over the speed limit is speeding1. Hence, it is no surprise that the Bureau of Transportation Statistics in 2017 stated that the primary factor in highway deaths is speeding1. Drivers need the personal responsibility of not speeding to protect themselves and others.
In 1966, a vehicle backing out of a driveway killed my five-year-old aunt. Today, my family realizes the importance of new safety features in cars such as review cameras in preventing similar accidents from happening again. NHTSA estimates that the fatality risk for today's vehicles is 56% lower than the average 1950s vehicle1. Considering that the NHTSA reports that human error is responsible for 94% of serious crashes, safety features in cars will hopefully reduce the number of serious crashes1. A responsible driver would utilize his vehicle's safety features to hopefully prevent an accident.
As a future driver myself, I want to be an example of a safe driver for my younger sisters to follow. To be a good example, I will get a drivers ed so that I fully understand how to drive. Also, I will have the responsibility to avoid distractions, to not speed, and to use my vehicle's safety features.
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An Analysis of the Importance of Road Safety and the Need for a Driver to Be Extra Careful
Jordan Thacker