Safe driving is a subject close to my heart as my son was involved in a very serious car accident in 2018. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures and internal harm leaving him severely disabled. He was driving irresponsibly by going too fast on snowy, ice covered roads. He had a 3 month old son at home. His injuries were so severe, he could not be rehabilitated even with extensive and long term therapy. He could not be maintained at home and had to be placed in a long term care facility. He died in July of this year (2023), leaving his son without a father.
Being a safe driver depends on each us. It means being alert, always driving to the conditions of the road and environment and being ready to take action at any time. Patience is one of the most important characteristics a driver can have. Driving in heavy traffic, dealing with road construction, parking issues, as well as the actions of other drivers can test our patience on a daily basis. Being an impatient driver can lead to aggression, bad decision making, and accidents. Driving is a serious responsibility. The physical and mental abilities of each driver has a huge impact on their driving activities. Driving is more than moving a vehicle from point A to point B and knowing how to use the accelerator, brake pedals and steering wheel. Driving is at best when you have the knowledge and required skills to drive competently and in accordance with the rules and regulations pertaining to our public roads. Driving is a learned skill acquired with much practice.
Driver’s education should be of the utmost importance and mandatory for every driver prior to receiving their license. It is so very helpful and a great place to start as it provides new drivers with the vital driving tools necessary for good judgement and decision making under pressure. It also encourages responsible behavior from the start. Additionally, students who take part in driver’s education programs tend to become more responsible citizens overall. Driver’s education makes them more capable and less prone to making errors behind the wheel. Students learn how to react in various hazardous driving scenarios, such as bad weather or emergency situations which better equips them to drive on our highways and city streets. Statistics show that driver’s education helps lower accident rates and auto related deaths by instructing students in defensive driving techniques, which are otherwise difficult to acquire independently. Defensive driving is a crucial part of road safety and means looking for other vehicles, thinking ahead to avoid collisions, and responding quickly in an emergency. It’s not only the motorist who benefits from practicing defensive driving; everyone on the road is safer when that happens. Defensive driving reduces the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption. Safe and defensive driving involves concentration, being calm, and having respect for others. A safe, defensive driver ensures proper and total control of the vehicle at all times and never allows anything to take their attention from the road. Concentration and good judgement are requirements necessary to qualify a person as a good and responsible driver. Anticipation, being alert and aware of what’s going on around you helps to prevent usual incidents from becoming accidents on our roads. The safety of others depends on each of us when we are behind the wheel.
All drivers should know and follow basic rules of the road to stay safe and avoid collisions or other accidents. Becoming distracted only takes a second but can lead to a lifetime of regret. Steps drivers can take to reduce the number of auto related deaths include the following:



Fasten your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same!


Put your cell phone away to avoid temptation! DO NOT text and drive!


Always drive to road conditions!


Keep your distance behind other vehicles, follow the rule of one car length for every 10 miles an hour of speed!


Drive strategically. Avoid situations that require sudden brake use!


Signal for every turn and lane change!


Drive friendly, be courteous and yield to other drivers!


Avoid distractions!


Don’t drive while drowsy or under the influence!


Follow the speed limit and all traffic signs and signals!


Be an example of a good and safe driver.


New drivers are more likely to maintain good behaviors if they are ingrained in them from the start! It is important for all drivers to set a good example and follow the rules of the road. If you are in a car with an unsafe driver, it is important to speak up, educate them on their behavior while asking them to stop and let you out. It is better to lose a friend, walk, call someone for ride or use a ride share service than it is to risk injury or even death. It only takes a second for a fatal accident to occur, the life you save may be your own or someone you love. I wish I would have reminded my son of the dangers of bad weather and unsafe driving; I wish I would have hugged him and told him how much I loved him. Remind those you love of driving safely every time they get behind the wheel, no matter how irritated they get. Hug them and tell them you love them! Encourage all beginning drivers to complete a Driver’s Education course. It will be well worth their time!