Safety First

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, “nearly 1.25 million people die in road crashes each year, on average 3,287 deaths a day.” The importance of drivers ed to reduce this amount is crucial. The less educated people are, the more likely that number could rise. However, if people learn more about the risks, that number could decrease greatly.

There are different steps in order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First off, people need to be more careful. Whether that is poor weather or other crazy drivers, there are ways to stay safe when others aren’t. Next, people need to follow the laws of the road. That means driving the speed limit. Stopping at stop signs, slowing down at yellow lights, or switching lanes. When these things are done, the less likely that accidents occur.

I personally have been in an accident myself. I was driving home from work this past summer and fell asleep at the wheel. I had a 2001 Ford Mustang and set my car on cruise control going approximately 60 mph. It takes about 30 minutes to get from work back to my house. As I was driving I was very exhausted. Suddenly, about a mile from home, I shot off the opposite side of the road. Next thing I knew, I was hanging from my seat belt. This experience taught me a lot about driving. I learned that when you get tired, pull over. Even if you are super close to the place your trying to get to. It takes just seconds and you could fly off the road. But any type of accident can happen. So take your time to get to places safe rather than quick.

I have thought about what steps I can take to be a better and safer driver as well as other people. I believe that I should one understand the risks surrounding driving. Then I could also lead by example. I believe people follow others and if I drive safely others will do the same. Other than that, just following the laws of the road as well. We have them for a reason. That reason is to keep people safe.