Obtaining
a driver’s license is the first step in becoming an independent
adult. With a license, comes freedom, yet great responsibility. It is
important for drivers of all ages to realize that their actions
affect their own safety and everyone else on the road. Driver safety
is important to me because I have first-hand experience to how the
tragedy of a car accident can tear a family apart. I was about ten
years old when my aunt and uncle told me my cousins had been in a
fatal car wreck. My older cousin was on her way to pick up her son
from school; her and her daughter were in the car together when a
distracted driver hit their vehicle. My younger cousin got to keep
her life, but she will never be the same as she once was; she had to
relearn everything, just like a young child by going through
extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. My cousin can no
longer live her own life and experience independence because she will
always rely on the care of my aunt and uncle. Furthermore, their
mother’s life was taken due to this tragic event. Although I was
young when this happened, it still reminds me to always drive safe
and be alert and aware on the roads.

One
big thing I advocate about driver safety is eliminating distractions,
which would include cell phone usage while on the road. A good tip
for all drivers is to put cell phones in a place where notifications
will not take the driver’s eyes off the road. It is important to
not look away from the road in order to avoid swerving into traffic;
this can prevent hitting others on the road. If an alert or phone
call is imperative, it is best to pull over into a parking lot and
stop the car then answer the phone when the car is not moving! Doing
something so simple can save many lives and bring people home to
their families.

If
safety is not a good enough reason to stop texting and driving,
hopefully the law is. In many states phone usage behind the wheel is
illegal and can leave drivers with high tickets to pay. Because the
majority of my family is in law enforcement, I am aware of driving
safety, but for many drivers it may be an unfamiliar topic. Driving
education courses should be available beginning at a young age so the
rules and safety of the road can be implemented sooner rather than
later. Much of my safety tips I learned came from a medical program I
was selected for in high school and now, as a pre-med student, I know
repetition is key when learning a new topic. If all drivers could be
aware of stories like mine, the laws set in place to keep traffic
safe, and vehicle awareness, the driving world could be a better,
happier environment, one where everyone gets to work, school, and
home safely.