Many people feel a sense of fright and angst on planes with the thought of a potential crash, but don’t feel the same when in a car. However, there is a higher chance of dying from a car crash than a plane crash. This is the reality of how dangerous driving can be and how unfortunately many lives are taken as the result of car accidents. For that reason, it is so important to be properly informed on driving regulations but also exceptionally important for drivers to understand how the road works in case regulations can’t be put in place.
In most places, you must first pass a knowledge test and then a driving exam to receive your full license. But after passing the knowledge test, most people don’t pay attention to the driving handbook, even after knowing the extent of its importance towards the rules of the road. Although drivers can easily remember the basic rules of the road, in specific situations they can forget what to do and this can cause chaos. For example, if there was a large power outage and traffic lights did not work, the road would act as a four-way street. If drivers were to forget this, it could introduce many hazardous possibilities such as crashes and it could lead to fatalities. Driving experience is extremely important as well, but after some time, drivers tend to loosen the rules either by speeding, driving under the influence, ignoring stop signs, and more. There is a reason why these rules are put into effect in the first place, and they should not be carelessly dismissed. I think that if drivers had to take driving exams, where they had to strictly abide by all rules, they would begin to practice it in their regular driving. This is why I believe bi-yearly knowledge tests and quarter-yearly driving tests should be implemented because if a population as a whole is well educated and experienced in driving, there will be less irresponsible drivers. With less irresponsible drivers there will be less car accidents, reducing the fatalities caused by crashes that greatly affect our world, especially in America.
I have been fortunate enough to never experience being in a car accident, however, my mom and brother have not been so lucky. They were going out to get ice cream at our local Dairy Queen, as they have done many times before. My mom drove the same route she uses almost every time, when unexpectedly she was hit by a driver who had ironically given her the pass to go at an intersection. Although there was not a disastrous amount of damage to the vehicle, my mom now often feels fear when in the car as a passenger, as she is not the one in control. When I notice that she is anxious while I’m driving, I let her know what I’m planning to do and the precautions I am taking such as checking all my mirrors, leaving a good amount of space between myself and the next car, and slowing down if she feels I am going too fast. I do this to be reassuring so she feels protected, and to help her feel that I am a safe driver. It is evident that her encounters with reckless driving have left damage, and since then I have urged the importance of safe driving within myself and others. It is important to encourage a culture of safe driving in society, even just within your social circle. My dad sometimes checks his phone and tries to text back while driving as he feels confident in his ability to multitask while driving. As a passenger, when he does this, I feel unsafe, and I ask him to put it down or give it to me and I can reply back for him. Encouraging him to follow this small precaution not only makes me feel safer but also makes the road safer as he is a one less distracted driver.
Of course, the thrill of speeding, the confidence that “I’m okay to drive” under the influence, and the “it doesn’t matter, no cars are here”, will still exist. Reckless and careless drivers will be around for no matter the reason, but if we can even reduce a small number of fatalities caused by careless driving, the measures taken to do so will be worth it because it could happen to anyone, even the best drivers, as they are not the only ones on the road.