In the Driver's Seat

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In the Driver’s Seat

I remember the first time my father took me driving. As he handed me the keys, he said that I should never forget that I could easily kill someone with a car, including myself, if I was not a safe driver. I took those words to heart and listened, for once, to all the instructions and guidance that my parents gave me, including enrolling me in a second independent drivers ed course. Driver education  taught me so  much more than what I simply needed to pass the permit test. Drivers ed showed me the consequences of unsafe driving and how quickly a fatal accident could occur, especially because I was an inexperienced or distracted driver. Having the knowledge of the rules of the road and learning how to operate a car under the supervision of a trained expert increases the likelihood that a person will develop safe driving habits so that the chances of fatal accidents will decrease.

While there are several steps to reduce the number of deaths from driving each year, including greater awareness and enforcement of drunk driving laws, the single biggest thing that can be done is to ensure that every licensed driver is properly trained on how to operate a car safely. Second, if people cannot stop using cellphones in the car while driving voluntarily, then there should be technology that inhibits all cell phone functions except being able to make an emergency call. This need to become standard. Driving is a skill that cannot be multitasked. Driving already requires your body and your mind.

Unfortunately, I have been in two car accidents as a passenger. Fortunately, none of them were serious, and no one was hurt. However, in each case, it seemed to me that the whole reason the accident occurred was because someone was not paying attention. One time, my mom had picked me up from school, it was raining very hard and the light had turned yellow. Suddenly, someone hit us from behind, because the roads were slippery, and they were following too close. My mom slowed down, but the other driver did not because he was talking on his phone.

I think it goes without saying that the biggest thing anyone can do to become a better and safer driver is to put their phone on “do not disturb” before buckling their seat belt. Second, always try to be a defensive driver. Pay attention to what you are doing but pay attention to all of the other cars in your driving circle, so that you can react quickly if necessary. Third, follow the rules of the road and obey the speed limit. Driving too fast can be a dangerous distraction. Finally, I think we can help others when we are passengers in their car, by praying for our safety, encouraging them to drive safely, and pointing out if they are being unsafe. No one wants to lose a friend or family member because of careless driving.