The future of driving

Sitting behind the wheel of a car hands a significant amount of power to an individual. They can drive wherever they want, whenever they want. However, with this new power comes multiple responsibilities. In today's society, drivers are constantly bombarded with distractions from passengers, music, advertisements outside, and the constant stream of notifications coming from our phones. No matter how many regulations are placed, drivers will still defy the rules. No matter how safe our vehicles are with seatbelts and airbags, people will still refuse to do what is best for their safety.

Parents who have been driving for years have developed their own shortcuts and rules for driving that differ from what is stated in the law. Though parents are a viable tool in the education of new drivers, everyone should take some form of drivers ed class. These classes not only help reduce insurance rates, but teach these new drivers the most recent laws including the ones that aren’t followed by their parents. By implementing this as a new requirement to become a driver, the overall population of drivers will abide to the laws at a higher rate than they do currently.

In order to become a safe driver, I can always allow myself plenty of time to get to places. I can also turn off all notifications while I’m driving. When I’m in the passenger seat, I can answer calls or respond to texts for the driver, keeping their attention on the road. Also, informing the population around me of the staggering facts regarding the number of deaths related to driving will help to increase awareness.

The improvement of technology in vehicles could also help reduce the number of accidents. Many vehicles currently have a hands free phone system. Manufactures could take this technology further and require the phone to be in a certain place - out of the drivers sight and reach - while they are driving. This would eliminate the number of distracted drivers and keep them focused on the road.

Society needs to take responsibility for the rights granted to them. Society needs to fight to inform those around them about the irresponsibility our drivers have taken, and influence everyone to change. Society needs to change todays bad driving practices in order to save tomorrow's generations and the future.