To be or not to be safe

To be or not to be a safe driver.  That is the question.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 36, 640 traffic fatalities in 2025.  NHTSA goes on to report that this statistic shows a 7% decrease in comparison to 2024. (NHTSA, 2025) This is an astronomical number of deaths that could be avoided and prevented if drivers were willing to practice road rules safely.  There are some suggested steps to follow and decisions that drivers can make to ensure they remain safe when they get behind the wheel of a car.  

A safe and educated driver comes with a lot of responsibility.  Being responsible for the safety of myself and others on the road is a task that is not taken lightly.  Keeping an eye on my driving as well as others around me can ultimately save me stress and money.  Most importantly, a safe and educated driver builds responsibility and confidence while maneuvering the streets and highways. These are some components of being equipped and educated to drive carefully on the road.

To be a safe and educated driver means that you are protecting the lives of others and yourself. One important factor when thinking about maintaining safety on the road is hand-free driving. Texting while driving is one of the ways that driver safety is often compromised and accidents occur.  Utilizing hands-free devices or modern car features can reduce those risks.   This is an area that young and new drivers tend to struggle with.   However, whether you are a new or experienced driver, the consequences of distracted driving are the same.  Distracted driving, avoid it at all costs.

Another reason for being a safe and educated driver is that it can save me stress and money.  Practicing safe driving skills every time a driver accesses the roadways can prevent costly accidents.  Costly accidents can lead to unplanned expenses due to injury, repairs, fines, increased insurance premiums, and/or medical bills. Recovery time from injuries and just the headache of sorting out accident expenses can create unnecessary stress.  These are some of the effects of poor driving decisions.  However, major accidents can lead to life threatening injuries, destruction, or even death.  Any form of accident comes with unplanned expenses so it is best to remain as focused and safe as you can while driving.

Drivers who use their knowledge of road rules to practice safe driving habits build confidence.  As a young driver who is learning the ropes of getting to and from places on the road, remaining safe builds confidence behind the wheel.  Confidence behind the wheel means that as a driver you can adhere to road rules in heavy traffic, nighttime driving, various weather conditions, amongst other conditions.  Displaying safe driving habits on a consistent basis means that your family will view you as a responsible and trustworthy driver they can depend on.

These steps and considerations have become a part of my routine as a new driver due to an accident that I was involved in.  It was during the summer of 2013; my sister and I were in the car with my grandmother.  She attempted to make a left turn when suddenly the oncoming driver ran through the red light and crashed into the passenger side of our car.  At 6 years old, it was the most frightening thing I had ever experienced. My sister’s screaming seemed to last forever. She was in a state of shock. To make matters worse, my parents were out of the country on vacation. There was shattered glass everywhere.  The police and ambulance arrived quickly.  The teenage driver looked terrified like his life was over. The teenager was cited for running the light and being distracted.  After being checked out by the paramedics, my dad’s cousin picked us up and drove us to my grandma’s house until my parents arrived from the airport.

The accident I experienced is proof as to why drivers should aim to be safe and be educated about road rules. When it was time for me to get my license, the accident did not scare me from obtaining my license. However, it made me more aware of my driving habits and other drivers around me. Driving is just like anything else, there are always some new rule that you must learn or be aware of.  In conclusion, I will continue to be a safe driver because I understand that every decision I make behind the wheel can impact me, my passengers, and other drivers around me.