As someone who has been involved in a car accident that gave me second degree burns, I think driver education plays a huge role in controlling the number of deaths caused by driving. The classes may start with statistics, pictures, and making everyone aware. Becoming aware of the deaths that are caused by driving allows for others to want to learn more. It also, creates this space for others to want to educate themselves on how they can help and not contribute to the number of deaths there are. Not everyone has the same experiences behind the wheel, and it may cause others to be uninformed at the situation at hand. Incorporating driver education is important because it can give perspective to many situations that can be avoided to save someone’s life. Hearing a variety of stories from those who have many years of driving experience really helps educate the public by providing various scenarios that they have been in. Also, education on the consequences of certain decisions is very important because someone’s action can result in someone losing their life. Education on the basic rules of driving and why they are important can really change the way one views driving. Driver education can positively impact the way one views driving and can ultimately save a life.
There are numerous steps that can be taken in order to reduce the number of deaths that are related to driving. Understanding that leaving with enough time to avoid being late can really change the way someone drives. Driving while in a rush looks different for everyone but most of the time it causes the driver to drive dangerously and or even recklessly.
In addition, another step that can be taken is to allow space between you and other vehicles. Tailgating can become dangerous very quickly and it is something that is so simple to correct. Avoiding tailgating not only protects you and your passengers but can also protect others around you. If you avoid tailgating, you have a lower risk of rear ending someone and can avoid damaging your vehicle.
Another step that can be taken is to drive the speed limit. Also, avoid using your phone until you are able to put your vehicle in park. Driving the given speed limit is there to protect us from driving chaotically and to avoid the number of deaths that occur as a cause of speeding. By looking at our phones while we are driving causes us to become distracted and takes our eyes off the road. Anything can happen in a split second when we take our eyes off the road especially if someone is texting while driving. Another step we can take to reduce the number of deaths is to stop drinking and driving. We have such great alternatives to get home now. Drinking and driving has been one of the many causes of deaths related to driving.
Lastly, putting on your seatbelt can tremendously reduce the number of deaths related to driving. A lot of the times people don’t feel the need to wear one, but it is there for your protection. If you are ever in a crash, you have a higher chance of being ejected from the vehicle. If everyone always wore their seatbelt there would be less casualties.
I remember my accident like it was yesterday and it is something that has forever changed my perspective on the way I drive. My accident happened on my way to work. I was going the speed limit and was not on my phone. However, I was naïve and didn’t really think about how reckless other drivers can be. I say this because I was on a divided roadway and there were stop signs on each side of the road. However, I passed through because I had the right of way and essentially got side swiped. My main airbag went off and I was in so much shock it felt like everything happened in slow motion. My experience just goes to show that although I followed the rules, I didn’t turn my head quick enough and I suffered the consequences of someone else’s bad actions. My experience has given me a new perspective on driving. I have now become more alert of my surroundings than I was ever before.
The steps I can take to become a better and safer driver is to allow myself to leave with enough time. Although it doesn’t make me drive dangerously it still adds more stress to my driving. Driving for me has become less stressful over the years ever since my accident. I do still find myself avoiding going places somedays. I think keeping my focus on the road and staying alert has really helped me become a better driver. My steps to being a safer driver has always been to stay off my phone and keep my eyes on the road. Also, I have avoided tailgating and have continued to keep my distance with other vehicles to stay safe on the road. No matter what I always put my seatbelt on and remind those in the vehicle to put it on. As for helping others stay safe on the road, I try to share my accident story with others to provide a scenario to how things can change in a split second.