How to Become a Better Driver

According to a survey from The Zebra, 1 in 4 teens are too scared to drive in general while about 1 in 2 teens become nervous when maneuvering roads in an urban setting. As a new driver, everyone is informed of the statistics of automobile accidents in the classroom, but not everyone keeps that information with them on the road. The thoughts of “I would never get in an accident” or “that wouldn’t happen to me” overpowers some when driving. Unfortunately, one is not always safe behind those thoughts as each experience with driving will be a different one. Not only are other drivers around you unpredictable, but you yourself could become easily distracted by a phone, food, or other passenger. This is why it is extremely important to educate yourself and others about driver’s safety in order to decrease the risk of an accident that could result in fatalities. Driver’s education is important primarily in learning how to navigate roads, including memorizing different road signs and rules. Paying attention to these signs while driving could be the difference between life or death. Driver’s education can teach an individual to be alert of speed limits, surrounding vehicles, merging lanes, turning cars, etc. When finally obtaining a license, there are many steps in becoming and staying a better driver, the first step being to remember the rules taught in driver’s education. Avoid handling multiple different actions: when driving, looking at the road while both hands are on the steering wheel should be the main priority. Driving is a responsibility and if not handled properly, you could be not only injuring yourself but also family members, friends, or strangers in another car. As you should feel obligated to drive safely for others, this does not mean to drive recklessly alone. It is what you do when nobody is watching that displays who you are as a driver and as a person. Continuing, in order to prevent deaths relating to driving, it is extremely important to “learn your car” before getting behind the wheel. If you are unaware of certain functions of your car or if it is in good driving condition, it is unwise to start driving as it could allow for a malfunction during your trip. Finally, it is crucial to never drink and drive but instead always have a designated sober driver as almost 30 people die in a drunk-driver automobile crash everyday in the United States according to NHTSA.gov. I personally have never been involved in a car accident on the road, but a family member of mine has once been involved in a rear-end collision due to an irresponsible drunk driver. Safe driving all starts with the education on driving laws and rules, but with each person’s help in educating others, staying focused while on the road, and advocating for others to become more responsible while driving as well, somebody’s mother, father, sibling, or child could be saved from an unwanted fatality. 

By Michelle Gulderen Whitehouse