Something that we
all do, something we take for granted as just a normal part of life,
something we see as so simplistic and normal that we don’t hardly
even think about, driving. This simple task that is almost seen as an
automatic function of life also takes 34,000 lives annually in the
U.S alone, far more than the loss of American lives in both the
Afghanistan and Iraqi Wars. This jarring reality of life around us is
why drivers ed is so vital, because it takes aim at trying to
reduce these numbers. An educated mass of people is more likely to
cut the deaths by driving annually because knowledge is the power to
make a change and to do something different to prevent these
accidents from happening. Simple steps like the aforementioned
driving education, actively using seat belts, going the speed limit,
and utilizing defensive driving techniques are all steps that can be
taken to be more safe on the road. Impulse control and not letting
yourself get to an elevated state of anger while driving is also key,
because road rage never ends well and only puts people in danger and
at risk. Speaking personally, I have never been or known close
friends or relatives who’ve been in an accident, however I’m sure
most other people including myself can attest we’ve been in a
vehicle with someone who was driving erratically. Driving is not a
right, it's a privilege and needs to be treated as such because you
involve so many lives when driving erratically and the risk is not
worth the supposed reward. Steps that can be taken to reduce the
number of lives tragically lost in vehicle accidents yearly are
actually quite simple. Just be smart about the way you drive. Pay
attention to your surroundings by avoiding distractions and taking
care in what you’re doing. Stay off your phone, many accidents are
caused by people looking at their phones and not the road. That text
is not that important and you can be on your phone when you arrive
wherever you’re going. In addition, driving with your emotions
under control is so crucial to avoiding accidents. Driving while
angry or sad is not good and can easily distract you and cause you to
make a fatal error. Road rage is especially dangerous because while
you’re putting yourself and the other driver in danger, every other
innocent car around you is also at risk, and it’s just plain
irresponsible. With these steps taken into consideration, I believe
the roads of America would be a much safer place, with far fewer
accidents and a reduction in the tragic loss of life.