In An Instant

Driving is a huge responsibility, without drivers ed the amount of deaths yearly caused from car accidents would be much higher than it already is. In the United States there are around 34,000 deaths per year due to car accidents or other incidents involving cars. One way this large number of car accidents could be reduced is by showing pictures of accidents during drivers training courses. For example, these images could include accidents where people were killed, or incidents where the jaws of life had to be used. Images like that in a teenagers head will scare them, but also show them what driving irresponsibly can do. Also images of a tractor trailer (semi) versus a car would be beneficial; many people underestimate the power and destruction of semi. If a semi has an unloaded trailer(s) it can still cause as much destruction as a semi that is loaded. Images like this would teach kids that pulling out infront a semi puts not only their life in danger, but many others in danger as well.

Additionally, being a defensive driver is being a cautious driver; this means being aware in all situations and always watching the other vehicles on the road. Ways to be a defensive driver include: always planning ahead to make sure you have plenty of time before leaving and avoiding any distractions, such as using your phone, or trying to complete another task while driving. Always be observant at traffic lights to make sure others around you are stopping before it is your turn to go. Being observant saves lives because when a person is distracted for a split second many bad things can occur. For example, not hitting your brakes and rear ending the car in front of you because you did not notice that they were slowing down. Being observant and paying attention to all of your surroundings is one major way to reduce death.

In my life time I have only been in one car accident, in which I was the passenger while my older sister was taking me to my grandmas. She did everything correctly, she put her turn signal on and braked early enough to show the car behind her that we were turning. The woman behind us was not paying attention at all; she had a rough day at work, as well as a migraine causing her to not be focused on driving. She swerved into the opposite lane going left of the center line in attempts to avoid us, but she still sideswiped us and almost hit the oncoming car head on. This accident could have easily been avoided if she would have been focused on what she was doing rather than worrying about her day. As a result, she put not only her life at risk, but the lives within her path as well.

For me to be a safer driver I always put my phone on “Do Not Disturb”, by doing this I reduce one distraction for myself. Also, playing music is one way to keep me focused on the road because I am distracted from my thoughts, or something that could upset me keeping me focused on the road. Before a friend or family member of mine leaves I always tell them to “watch the others around you”. By telling them this it encourages them to pay attention to what is happening around them, but also reminds them that they are loved in this world.