My Driving Experience & Driver's Safety Tips
My younger brother was in the passenger seat when a young driver hit us. Thankfully, the damage was not severe, and nobody was injured, but I will never forget panicking and shaking because I could not stop thinking about how much worse it could have been. What would my life have been like had that driver accelerated a little more and rammed into my brother’s side? Would my parents have blamed me had that happened? I would blame myself, even though I did everything I was supposed to. My light was green, and that driver had a yield sign. My blindspots were checked, and only my car was in my lane. I was a safe driver and took the same route from school to home daily, so I knew about every bump and turn in the road. So, why did she still run into me?
Newer drivers are less experienced than other drivers who have spent longer on the road. New drivers still need practice despite passing their tests and receiving their licenses. New drivers' common errors are not checking their blindspots when merging or switching lanes, not using their turn signal, and inexperience. Teen drivers are more susceptible to distractions by their phones or passengers and even alcoholic substances. Education about avoiding these accidents is vital for new drivers, older drivers, and pedestrians. Driver education teaches drivers how to drive confidently and safely while avoiding situations that could injure themselves or others. A good habit to get into is reinforcing road safety laws and reminding yourself of the risks every time you sit behind the wheel. That way, you are aware of what could happen and are alert. It is vital to always check your mirrors and blind spots before moving into a different lane, make sure your turn signal is on so other drivers know what direction you want to go, and yield to any oncoming traffic before taking your turn to merge.
Aside from reminders, another good step is to silence your cell phone while driving. I have seen many preventable accidents and deaths occur due to drivers being on their phones, either texting or calling somebody. There is no need to talk to someone on your phone while on the road. This puts not only the driver’s life at risk for injury or death, but it also jeopardizes the lives of any passengers in the vehicle and people commuting alongside the driver. Distracted driving includes cell phone distractions, distractions from passengers, and eating and drinking in the car. Car accidents and fatalities can easily be avoided by minimalizing these distractions.
Staying focused and alert also minimizes the effects of highway hypnosis. Highway hypnosis is a dissociative state in which the driver blanks out or is unfocused while driving due to monotonous road patterns. This has often overcome me since I drive home from college hours away. To keep myself focused, I talk out loud to myself or play road games, like “I Spy,” so that I am constantly observing my surroundings and staying vigilant. One of my favorite activities to combat highway hypnosis is doing solo karaoke to some fast-tempo songs. I understand this may not always work for myself and others, but there are other steps to take to break away from this trance-like state and increase our brain activity again. Taking breaks and ensuring you are well-rested before hitting the road helps you stay out of this state. Speaking out loud or with passengers aids in activity, and so does keeping your eyes moving at all times, checking and double checking all your mirrors and blind spots.
One of the most common causes of car accidents and deaths is drinking while driving. The alcohol concentration in your bloodstream can impair your decision-making and delay your reaction time, making driving while intoxicated extremely dangerous and illegal. Drinking while driving can result in a DUI and even a lifetime sentence, depending on the severity of the crime. Instead of taking the wheel after having a drink or two, consider having a designated driver or an Uber take you home. These options minimize the impact of reckless driving, sparing your life and the lives around you.
However, even if you practice safe driving, that does not mean those around you do. No matter how often you check your mirrors, use turn signals, or limit distractions, you cannot control the drivers around you. I was taught to constantly keep my head on a swivel as I drive because I do not know the next move anybody besides me will make. This is precisely what happened to me. Despite how safe and sure you are of your route, one driver’s mistake or carelessness can change your life forever. Defensive driving is a skill I believe everybody can benefit from learning. This is not to be confused with aggressive driving, as that can lead to accidents. Defensive driving implies always driving with your guard up, which I believe we should all practice no matter how safe and confident we think we are. You cannot read other drivers’ minds, so it’s best to be wary of others on the road. Stay alert, distance yourself from other vehicles, adjust your speed, always be aware of your surroundings, and look for the nearest exit route in an emergency.
Many want a pleasant experience cruising down the highway to unwind from a long day. It certainly is possible, but knowing and understanding the dangers when you are on the road and how to avoid them is essential. I am always aware of the road and the drivers around me and try my best to avoid any potential accidents, even if it takes me longer to reach my destination. My brother is beginning to drive, and I try to educate him about keeping himself and others safe on the road as best as I can. Reinforcing these practices as we drive can decrease the number of deaths and injuries, as numerous accidents are preventable. I know my experience was not the worst of other individuals' experiences, but I constantly wonder, “What if.” I know we can make our roads five times safer if everybody reminds themselves to practice these safety tips continuously.