Safety in driving

As people of many ages begin to go to their local DMV to get their driver's license they are delighted with this sense of independence but beforehand they must go through a process. First, they may or may not go through driving lessons/school. Second, they take the written test and third they take the behind the wheel test. This is a process that proves that a person is capable of driving responsibly and knows about driving. Driver education is important for safety and prevention of unfortunate accidents. It is really important for drivers to be educated on driving so that they prevent as many accidents as possible and have safe streets day and night. Being educated in this topic is crucial to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents because it teaches drivers the rules and basics of a car and how busy roads operate with other drivers present. 

     Some steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths and accidents related to driving are: no texting and driving, no driving under the influence, no driving with distractions, no driving when tired, etc.. Unfortunately, these statements continue being  ignored and cause unsafe streets and put the lives of many at risk, whether they be drivers or pedestrians. MVA’s are devastating and can lead people to major and long term injuries, and that is just not worth the risk due to irresponsible driving. Some other ways to reduce the deaths is by spreading awareness to drivers through billboards and road signs so that they are reminded of their choices and how to stay cautious. What should be looked over is the speed limit cars go. It is an obvious fact that many drivers tend to go above speed limit when they don't see traffic and at times it seems okay but there is always at least one car speeding through all those cars that can cause an accident if a driver is not paying attention to what's around them. 


     Fortunately, I have never experienced a car accident, but I have been close to being in one and it was due to an irresponsible driver. This driver was driving a big black truck, and as I was crossing the street on my way to school I looked left and right and began to walk slowly. On a four way stop, the truck drove right past me. I felt the air brush against my face and I felt my body go empty. It was terrifying as an eleven year old feeling the moment where everything could have gone completely different. I was fortunate at the time but I can’t forget the fact that drivers continue making that same mistake too. Even if a four way stop looks empty, it is important to count those five seconds before pressing on the gas pedal again. I have seen many irresponsible drivers in my time, including some family members. It would be due to drinking, but I didn't think much of it because they would claim that they were not drunk. Fortunately, they would always get home safe, but it does not mean it was right. 

     As I can continue progressing as a driver, some steps I can take to be a better and safer driver is by making sure I am sober and awake. If I begin feeling tired during a drive, then I should pull over and wake myself up with some water and gum. These are habits I do if I feel tired and still have an hour to drive. Also, to help myself and others as drivers, if at a party that provides alcohol, I will stay sober, so that way others have a sober friend to rely on. It is crucial to improvise and plan out who would be driving after a party, preferably a person that is one hundred percent sober. Also, when driving I should be focused and attentive to my surroundings by using the mirrors my car provides to me. Even if I am not the one driving I should also pay attention to other cars driving because I am solely focused on watching which can make the drive safer.

     Being careful driving will only further help our community as a whole. Drivers should continue educating themselves on safe driving so that tragic car accidents are not so common anymore. Pursuing a safe relationship with driving will keep the streets safe and lives safe. Driving should be taken seriously, and being educated about driving and the way it works is crucial to staying safe and preventing any casualties.