Importance of Safe Driving

Alec Darminio

26 November 2019

Importance of Safe Driving

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers aged 12-19 in the United States.1 Many accidents are caused by the driver being distracted or under the influence of alcohol. People who sit in the driver’s seat of a vehicle should know that their full attention needs to be on the road and be aware of other cars, bikers, and pedestrians around them. Drivers ed courses are very important for teens because they educate teens about the risks and how to properly handle an object that weighs over two tons. If everyone takes driver’s education, there will be fewer deaths because more and more people will learn how to drive safely and sober, knowing the rules of the road, and not being distracted behind the wheel.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce deaths in automobiles. First, keep all electronics turned off or away from the driver at all times. It is not worth an accident to respond to a text message. Second, drivers should never drink before handling a car. If everyone in the vehicle has had an alcoholic beverage, call for a cab. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone in the car at risk and everyone else on the road. Another measure that could be taken to reduce deaths in automobiles is more drivers ed. A safe driving course every ten years would remind people of the rules of the road and impact of texting and driving while intoxicated.

Fortunately, I never have been in a car accident. However, I have seen others drive irresponsibly. One afternoon, my family was driving down the street when to our left, a driver in a white vehicle made a left onto our road. Unfortunately, a large car was driving very fast in the other direction and was distracted. The larger car t-boned the smaller white car. It happened so fast and demonstrated how glancing at a text for just seconds can have a devastating result.

When driving I can take the following steps to stay safe: (1) knowing the rules of the road (2) eliminate distractions by making sure my phone is turned off and (3) drive defensively. At a four way stop two weeks ago, the car I was in came to a complete stop. One car safely drove when it was their turn and then another. After the second car had passed, I had the right of way. However, the driver behind the second car lost patience and drove straight through the stop sign, right behind the second car. I stopped to avoid an accident and then waited until the intersection was clear before continuing along. By knowing the rules, paying attention, and driving sober and defensively, I can avoid most accidents.

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