How to Arrive Alive

I used to think that learning how to drive would be a piece of cake simply because I was a straight-A student. Reality proved me wrong. Drivers ed contrasts with the conventional classroom lectures we receive in school, which I would argue is very necessary. Learning how to drive requires opportunities for hands-on learning in addition to studying our road systems. It is important to continue teaching the rules of the road by providing experiences that mimic the reality of taking the driver’s seat solo. These invaluable lessons resonate with drivers and contribute to minimizing automobile casualties.  We as a society have become numb to the thought of death. Many lives lost could be easily prevented by making different choices. We have the power to change these staggering statistics by focusing on eliminating this epidemic of distracted driving. Many of us would admit that we are guilty of multitasking when we are in the driver’s seat. My most poor habits stem from access to my cell phone. Cell phone distractions inhibit our ability to focus completely on driving safely and carry risk. Lack of awareness will have unforeseen consequences in the future if we don’t change our driving habits urgently.  It is our responsibility to take the necessary steps to improve our driving habits and encourage others to do the same. When building a new habit, we must stay consistent and remind ourselves repeatedly for a task to become second nature. We can incorporate putting our phones away, out of reach, as part of our routine when getting ready to drive just like putting our seatbelts on. Moreover, making a pact with a friend or family member to drive distraction-free would hold us accountable and will make this a team effort. Through encouraging others in addition to ourselves, I hope to see a positive impact on our driving habits and contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone on the road. Taking the initiative to change our personal driving habits will make the greatest impact. We can’t rely on law enforcement to prevent all of our bad habits. It is up to us to take control of our actions and be intentional in where our minds are focused while driving. The carelessness of distracted driving stems from people feeling untouchable until they are the victims of this epidemic. By learning from the experience of other people who have suffered the devastating impacts of car accidents, we can find a better understanding of the implications our poor habits can potentially have on others.  From seeing family members contribute to this epidemic, my passion for advocating for distraction-free driving has only grown. When we take the moment to realize that driving is a privilege and that our actions can endanger not only ourselves but others around us, we have taken the first step in acknowledging the problem at hand and can begin working towards solutions. Texting can wait until we have arrived at our destination safely.