Driving is important in so many ways. Driving can give you a sense of freedom, allowing one to travel where you want and when you want without having to rely on others. Maybe more job opportunities are available because you have your license now. Driving may give one a sense of responsibility or teach you important skills such as patience and the ability to make decisions faster. Essentially, driving is a fundamental part of life. With all of the benefits that come with driving, also comes responsibilities and dangers. This is why it is so important to be educated when it comes to driving. Driving is not a game and should be taken very seriously. Many deaths that happen from car accidents almost always include a driver who is at fault. This includes driving under the influence, underage driving, or driving with no license at all. It is more than important for drivers to be well educated. By teaching drivers the necessary knowledge and skills, driver education effectively reduces the occurrence of reckless driving behaviors as well as prevents accidents and most importantly, saves lives. Learning defensive driving instruction and discussions of different types of accidents can reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. Having knowledge of road safety can prevent numerous different dangers of the road and make the roads safer for all drivers.
Some factors to be aware of while driving include driver behavior, road design, and vehicle safety. I would like to talk about some of the steps that can be taken within these factors that can help reduce the number of deaths related to driving. As far as driver behavior goes, being aware, being focused, being safe, as well as being courteous can help prevent a car accident. Drive according to conditions of the road, slow down and speed up while necessary, and try to avoid situations that require sudden braking. Road design is another factor to be aware of. Street design, enforced laws, and transportation options also need to be taken into consideration while driving. Consider narrower streets, raised crosswalks, and speed humps. Always follow traffic laws such as speed limits and traffic calming measures, as well as enforce them. It is also said to optimize other safe transportation options such as mass transit, and minimize trip distances. Vehicle safety is also extremely important. Using safety equipment may seem unnecessary but it may be what could potentially save your life one day. Wearing helmets, seatbelts, and making sure every passenger in the car is buckled are all steps that could prevent death related to driving.
Personally, I have experienced being in a car accident. In the car was just my father and I. I am thankful that no one was injured or worse, killed. Hearing the airbags go off was pretty terrifying, sometimes I swear I can still hear the ringing in my ears at random points throughout the day. Both cars, the one I was in and the other car, were both totalled. There was debris from both cars scattered everywhere across the interstate where the accident had occurred. Again, I am so thankful everyone was safe in the end. It was truly a miracle. Because of this accident, I am now safer than ever when it comes to driving. My father also drives more defensively now. My father has been in accidents before but not as bad as the one I’m describing in this essay. I get upset when people “drive like idiots” or do not pay attention while driving. I also think about the fact that there are other peoples lives in danger when someone is not driving carefully. Personally I would be devastated if I put someone’s life in danger because of my careless actions. I have seen many of my friends and family members driving recklessly and irresponsibly. I’ve seen them speed, cut people off, not pay attention to the road, be on their phones while driving, and just overall not driving responsibly. I always remind my friends and family that it is unsafe to drive this way. I also tell them all the time that there are other peoples lives on the line, not just their own. In my opinion driving recklessly is more than selfish.
There are plenty of steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver. These steps include being completely aware of my surroundings, ignoring distractions, making sure I am always buckled, and driving the speed limit. I can also make sure I do not drive while I am tired, and stay as far away from drugs and alcohol as I can. I can also drive defensively and follow cars at a safe distance. These steps can help anyone become safer on the road. Like I was saying before, your life is just as important as anyone else’s life. Do not be selfish, choose to drive safely and responsibly instead.