It is important to stress driver education when trying to reduce the number of deaths due to driving because one must know how to be safe in order to keep others and themselves safe. Steps to reduce deaths due to driving can be simplified as generally understanding the law and why these restrictions were set in the first place. There are many who do not understand that these laws are in place to protect people and keep the roads flowing. Car enthusiasts love to modify their cars but some cannot see how these modifications can be a danger to driving. For example some modifications might not fit the cars capabilities or maybe the modification is just a danger because of weight limits and problems relating to physics. A modification to appearance as simple as tinting a car window has posed safety concerns such as what can the driver actually see. Tints are also an issue because another driver will not be able to see in the car, for example, a police officer once stopped my family car explaining that the tints make it hard to see if the people in the car were in danger. If someone was being held hostage in the car, the tints would be able to hide this activity well. Bike lanes exist to protect bikers from cars and seat belts protect those in car accidents. We could also prevent death by keeping laws uniform throughout the country. There are some states in America that require you to take car lessons before getting a driver’s license and some states that have restrictions or practice periods for young drivers before they get their license as well. I did not learn to drive until I was 21 years old, but I did not have to wait six months to make a driver’s test appointment like my teenage peers. While I learned to drive in as little as 3 months, teenagers in my city had to wait 6 months first to even schedule an appointment when I was the one with less driving experience. If the laws were the same throughout the country, we would probably have more experienced and ready drivers.
I unfortunately have been in a car accident as well as other family and friends of mine. Car accidents are so common when they should not be. In my car accident, my step father was driving and did not see someone with a bike riding on the sidewalk. My stepfather had the right of way but the biker also did not see my stepfather and started crossing the street. The car hit the biker and we stopped the car. People in the neighborhood came to check if we were okay and had told us they had been trying to get a 4 way stop sign in the area for a while, but nothing had been done. My uncle had been in a car accident coming out of work from the hospital, which was caused by a drunk driver and unfortunately passed away instantly due to the impact. I have had friends get into car accidents as well for not paying good attention to the area they were in. Some accidents were small like hitting a parked car and scratching it, but there have been times where I have seen cars flipped over or totaled. It is stressful to see someone drive obviously irresponsible but state they have done no wrong. I had even volunteered at a bike safety event to teach kids about bike safety after a neighborhood kid passed away after crossing the street on a bike without looking.
Some steps I plan on taking so that I can be a better driver would be like practicing more on the road even though I have my license. I would also make sure that I am not distracted by phones or food, and make sure that the passenger seat is seated by someone who will manage the gps. I can also be more responsible by following speed limits and reducing my speed in unknown areas so that I can make well timed decisions on the road. I will also be aware of the cars around me and make sure to look at my blind spots. I will not put myself in dangerous situations like icy roads when it is not necessary. I would also make sure to give my car a regular check up by making sure the oils of the car are filled and changed. If I am not feeling well or if I am tired, I will make sure to not be behind the wheel and let another responsible driver take over for me. There are lots of steps one could take to be a safer driver and most are no brainers!