In the Driver Seat

In the Driver’s Seat 

The majority of the people in the United States over the age of 16 can drive which means billions of cars are on the road each day. Nearly 1.25 million people die in car accidents each year. This number catches the eye of many people and should make them think about how important drivers ed and road safety is.

Driver education is essential to making sure that drivers on the road know what they are up against. High schoolers that are required to take Drivers Ed are less likely to be an accident. It is very important for students to take the class seriously, so they are aware of the rules and consequences while on the road. Drivers Ed provides the students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed for safety for the driver and others around them. Drivers ed should be taken more seriously not just as students but as adults because the more people aware the less likely accidents will occur. 

Many simple steps can be taken to make the roads safer and reduce the number of deaths caused by accidents. Each state should make sure every person on the road is driving with all the necessary documents such as a valid license and insurance. Drivers need to not only be aware of the traffic laws, but also know how to follow them. Drivers also need to keep all distractions put away; this includes cellphones and food. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents. Many states now have made it illegal to handle cellular devices while driving. Driving under the influence is another reason deadly accidents occur. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not acceptable no matter what. When driving, drivers need to follow traffic laws, be well-rested and sober, and have no distractions.

On the morning of July 2, 2018, we received a devastating phone call that my brother Tyler had been in a motorcycle accident and was being life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital. He suffered a broken tibia and fibula, a fractured pelvis, road rash, and chemical burns. He spent a week at Vanderbilt, and then he was transferred to Summit Medical Hospital where he continued to recover with the help of three blood transfusions and occupational therapy for two weeks. His accident happened because he was being impatient and tried passing multiple vehicles at once on a two-lane highway. While passing the cars, a dump track decided to to take a left turn cutting Tyler off. Tyler then had to make the quick decision to lay his bike down. The dump truck drug my brother and his bike for 33 feet before realizing what had happened. It’s crazy to think that if one thing would have gone differently, he wouldn’t be here with us today all because he was being impatient and careless. 

Together people can make the road a safer place for everyone by becoming an educated and thoughtful driver.