Save a Life by Protecting Yourself

Torree L. Wingo

Save a Life by Protecting Yourself

Approximately 40,000 people lose their lives due to unsafe driving habits. 4.5 million people were seriously injured in crashes last year alone (safetyinsurance.com). When an irresponsible person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, he or she is not only risking his or her life, but maybe a single mother’s life with her two children in the back, or somebody’s grandpa who’s just trying to get to the grocery store and back.

In drivers ed we are taught specific “not to do’s”. The main causes of death by vehicle has to do with the driver either texting, which is the leading cause of deaths, drinking which causes 10,000 deaths a year, not using signals correctly, which has caused two million accidents this year alone, speeding has caused 9,717 accidents, or even driving too slow which may not be as fatal but still has caused approximately 1,962 accidents a year which may not be as fatal, but has still caused 1,879 accidents (driving-tests.org). These are all things that are drilled into student’s heads before they even get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Driving can be a very dangerous activity that needs to be taken seriously and with caution. Accidents are avoidable. All it takes is to be aware of surroundings. Not only is your life on the line but others as well.

Although getting a driver’s license can be exciting and fun, driving can also be a very dangerous activity that needs to be taken seriously and with extreme caution. The following are some helpful driving tips: drive defensively, be aware of what other drivers are doing, and expect the unexpected. Keep 100 percent of your focus on the road and what surroundings.

Lastly NEVER get on the phone and drive. A text message or phone call can always wait. If not pull over to the side of the road. Please take all of these effects serious and save your family a heartache by driving responsibly.