When
operating a vehicle, our focal point of attention is typically our
destination. In some cases, it may be the notification that just
illuminated our phone screen, or the conversation our friends are
currently having in the backseat of the car. How often can we
actually admit that our focus is on the safety of ourselves or even
those around us? Personally, I have been in multiple alarming
situations where the focus was definitely not on safety. Friends
texting and driving, parents attempting to control disorderly
children, I have seen it all. One of my best friends was actually in
an accident where he fell asleep behind the wheel and was admitted
into the hospital for several weeks. We did not think he was going to
make it.

When
taking the drivers ed course required to park in the parking
lot of a school in my state of South Carolina, I was informed that my
school is currently on a ten year streak for having the highest
number of casualties caused by car accidents. This information
stunned me. I was aware of the passing of several of my classmates
due to car wrecks, but I did not realize the capacity of the problem
in my area. This is exactly why drivers ed courses are
important. They make us aware of what is going on around us, and in
turn hopefully make drivers more aware while behind the wheel, which
could reduce the number of deaths while driving.

To
reduce the number of deaths related to driving, ensure road safety,
and make everyone better and more responsible drivers, it is up to us
as drivers to take initiative. Make sure we, along with our friends
and family are buckling up, putting those phones away, and simply
paying attention and staying aware. By making a change as an
individual, we can eliminate the epidemic of distracted driving and
diminish the death rates associated with driving.