The importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths, as a result of driving could not be stressed enough. There is an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. DmvEdu.Org Driving and traffic school 2024. There is one accident-related death every 180 seconds. I believe that educating both young & mature drivers alike, Is the key to reducing this number in America. I’ve been personally affected by fatal car accidents losing 2 family members, these are accidents that could have easily been avoided, if drivers were being safe & paying attention. So, this subject hits home for me.
Some steps that Can be taken to reduce the number of death’s related to driving would be to always wear a seat belt. You should also never pull off until all parties in the vehicle also have their seat belts on as well. Always do the speed limit. Leave your current location to get to your destination on time. You should never be in a rush while driving, this is how accidents are caused. If you absolutely must talk on the phone, always make sure its hands-free & keep your eyes on the road at all times. Never text & drive (which was one my mother told me when I initially got my license at 16) never tailgate a vehicle, this is very dangerous. You should always give the driver in front of you at least 3 seconds. That way if they come to an abrupt stop. You have time to react accordingly. I would also say never get in the car with someone you, yourself be under the influence. I also feel these safety tips could be used in the future to teach other young drivers how to drive safe & make informed decisions while behind the wheel. These safety tips, save lives. This would also save everyone financially on insurance as well as making roadways run much smoother.
My experience of being in car accidents or seeing my friends or family members driving irresponsibly would be when I was a kid around 8 years old & my father had been drinking while driving, I remember being very scared as we began our journey to a family members house. I just remember him pulling out while my cousins & I were in the backseat. He pulls out crossing an intersection, & BAM!!! We got T boned by another vehicle. Even in my little mind at that time, I knew it was my dad’s fault. I knew he had been drinking & I panicked. We all jumped out of the backseat (no one was seriously injured thankfully) we were maybe 2 minutes from my house & we just ran home. I cried hysterically. I knew I was traumatized as I tried to explain to other adults around me what had just happened. My cousins just cried, I imagine they were as scared as I was. This was a learning lesson for me. I will NEVER drink & drive. This incident still bothers me til this day.
I also have 2 good friends, one of which was hit by a car on a very busy street while crossing to get on her school bus in 2003, The other was in a horrible car accident in 2017, on a very dark & dangerous road, while leaving her home to go to work. Both of my friends survived thankfully. However, both have brain injuries, scarring & memory loss from the accidents. They both spent months in the hospital recovering & both missed out on valuable time with family & friends all because of distracted drivers.
Some steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road would be to not play my music too loud. This is something I’ve always struggled with. Although I have a great driving record. One thing I must work on is blasting my music. This could cause me not to hear an ambulance or any emergency vehicle. This could also cause a disturbance in some areas. Overall, it’s just not good for the ears. I have been doing good with this lately, but my goal is not to listen to loud music at all, while in the car.
In closing I would just like to thank you for bringing awareness to this subject. I feel that this is not stressed enough & should definitely be in the front of everyone’s mind since we drive everyday. I feel that this is helping to bring awareness to a subject that is near & dear to my heart.