Zachary
Cabrera
March
24th,
2020
Safety
is Success

There
are many dangerous things in this world that influence countless
people. Crime, disease, hunger, war, driving, etc... Simply traveling
from place to place should not be one of those factors. There are
many ways that can make driving a safer activity which will help
millions of people around the world have safe travel. Driver
education plays a key role in that. Drivers ed helps reduce the
number of deaths related to driving because it allows people to
obtain the necessary rules of the road. It introduces people to the
practice of operating a vehicle and how to properly use it in a safe
and effective manner. Just like in other activities that you do, your
first time will most likely not be your best. Sports, skills,
education, activities. It all takes practice, which is what driving
education provides.


There
are other steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths
related to driving. First, as stated above, obtaining an education on
driving should be your first step taken. Next, while you’re
driving, you do not need to be going 10-20 mph over the speed limit.
Most people are traveling small distances to where they need to go,
whether that is work, school, the mall, etc... Therefore, the time
you save from traveling 10-20 mph over the speed limit does not
really make a difference in time lost or gained. In addition, remain
calm when in stressful situations. Losing your composure could lead
you to making a mistake while driving. It could also result in a road
rage incident. Both could lead to a death related accident. These are
just a few examples of increasing the safety of your driving
experience.


Experience
is the number one teacher in my opinion. Fortunately, I have not
experienced an accident in my few years of driving. That is why I
take advice from those who have had many more years of experience
such as my parents and other adults in my life. Despite my lack of
experience, I have witnessed irresponsible driving. Within my first
two years of driving, many of my friends were also driving. I quickly
learned which friends were responsible and which were not. There were
times when I felt very uncomfortable in the car with certain friends
because they were either driving too reckless, or there were not 100%
focused on the task at hand. For example, texting would be a big
issue. With all my observations I learned to stay away from certain
drivers within my friend group.

They
are several ways to not only help yourself become a safer driver, but
others as well. As stated above, one of the best things you can do is
if in a stressful situation, remain calm. Second, try not to
instigate anything if in a stressful situation. Finally, if there are
drivers in need and you can help, do it.