"No Texting and Driving!" "No Speeding." These terms are primarily used on television, by word of mouth, or by the media. These actions while driving have a terrible impact: car crashes. There are 1.3 million vehicle-related deaths annually (Shelby, 2022). The age of people dying in these tragedies is between 16 and 19. These issues continue to arise as we deal with irresponsible driving in our modern-day society, and we need to address these problems to create solutions. Teaching future drivers is vital for people to make proper decisions and know road ethics.
Many factors contribute to car crashes. However, some have an extreme impact where people are inclined to succumb to injuries. Speed is one of those factors. Winingham (2023) informs us that people who speed, intentionally or unintentionally, are likely to be involved in a speed-related car crash. Most reckless drivers drive over the speed limit every minute. As a result, they are likely to make incorrect decisions, significantly when they are impaired by alcohol or drugs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informs us that marijuana can impair driving abilities. Driving while on this drug will likely result in a deadly crash (Thomas et al., 2020) (NHTSA, 2023). Despite these factors, distracted driving causes more fatal collisions and significantly affects drivers. You may not focus on the road while driving, listen to loud music, or check your phone. Many meetings and media reports mention texting and driving.
The governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, signed a bill prohibiting cell phone use while driving. In Michigan (NYE, 2023), this law is designed to reduce the number of crashes that increased previously due to this risky habit. The law will enhance driver safety and make drivers more aware of their surroundings. Even though it will help teach us safety on the road, there are other solutions to ensure people learn and understand the importance of road ethics. New drivers who hope to get their licenses soon must undergo driver's training. Driver education aims to understand how a vehicle works, whether a truck, car, motorcycle, or other machinery. Since all vehicles have different structures and rules, to stay safe, people must learn about the laws of the road, and others say this includes knowing when to wait for a turn and how to maneuver in traffic. These lessons can help people drive more responsibly and legally. It will also reduce daily fatalities. Safe travel requires people to be aware of their surroundings.
Driving school is one way to practice safe driving, but you can also do it outside, which includes driving with a parent or guardian before taking a driver's class at a driver's school. I started practicing at the wheel with my mother to get a sneak peek at what it is like to operate a vehicle. In exploring how cars work, my mother gave me tips and key facts to remember when working with moving machines. She reminded me to always pay attention to the speed limit and how fast or slow I was driving.
Furthermore, she advised that you should not allow ignorant drivers to push you around because they are in a rush or are recklessly driving. These tips helped me be more comfortable behind the wheel and learn how always to react quickly. It is beneficial to practice with a parent because of what I described: you get a preview of what you will be taught during driver training as you practice. Buckling up is another way to practice driving. There are 53% of people who die in car accidents. It is estimated that many people who suffer catastrophic injuries don't wear seatbelts (CDC, 2011). Despite not always being effective, seatbelts reduce the risk of death in motor vehicle accidents. A backup driver is vital in temporary physical impairment, such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, since driving under the influence is illegal. In other words, having a sober family member take you home will improve your safety while the effects wear off. In addition to keeping other drivers safe, these tips will also keep you safe.
Driver education teaches new drivers the importance of road safety, how vehicles work, and how to react in traffic. Individuals can be prepared for the real world with the correct instruction. On the road, we can save lives by being aware of our decisions and recognizing their consequences.