In the Driver's Seat

Every year, hundreds of people die in car accidents that could easily be prevented. We have all heard of people losing family members, colleagues, and friends in car accidents. Society needs to be informed on the importance of drivers ed. I witness people driving everyday who are not educated or know the rules on driving. Drivers ed is very important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving because many people change lanes without using a blinker, run red lights, and do not stop at stop signs. All of these errors in driving are known reasons for deaths. Driver education shows us the consequences of these errors and how quickly your whole life could change.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are to create a system where everyone’s GPS in their vehicles tracks their speed. Require all car manufactures to incorporate a software into their GPS’ where it tracks everyone’s speed and their location. If they go over the speed limit, they automatically get a speeding ticket sent to their address linked to that car. There is not enough law enforcement to keep track of everyone, so this might be a way to reduce the amount of deaths from speeding. Another idea is to also make car companies install a software that make it where the car does not move unless the driver’s phone is completely off.

I have had an experience of being in a car accident when I was in elementary school and it was probably one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced. My mom pulled out in front of another car, who was going above the speed limit and it hit the side of us. My mom’s car was totaled. I jumped out of the car and I had no idea if my mom or sister were alive. I was scared to death. Thankfully everyone lived. I have also witnessed many friends driving while texting, which is a major problem and cause for many accidents today.

Some steps that we can take to be a better and safer driver is to always check twice when turning or changing lanes. We can also turn our phones off right when we get into our car where the distraction of a call or text is nonexistent. It is very important to also review and stay educated on the driving rules and education. Many people do not realize how quick an accident can happen. You can take your eyes off of the road for one second and your whole life could be changed by a car accident. Everything that is distracting you can wait. No distraction is worth your life.