The Importance of Safe Driving

Numerous accidents are reported each year, as a result of careless driving, failure to observe traffic rules or mistakes made by passengers. As the daughter of a Police Officer, I am often reminded of how important safe driving is and the consequences of not driving safely. City driving can be a major source of stress for motorists, especially at rush hour. The growing number of people in cities and suburbs have resulted in an influx of the number of people using cars as their primary mode of transportation. Such facts make it important to prioritize the need to drive carefully and observe traffic rules.

Respecting the right of way is an important aspect in ensuring road safety and is a simple way to prevent accidents from occurring. Failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians can cause unnecessary driving hazards. If there is a question of which vehicle has the right of way, it is courtesy to let the other individual go first. Blocking another driver is risky as well as dangerous and increases the risks of an accident.

Developing a safe driving plan is an important aspect of ensuring careful driving. The plan should include stops for food, rests and phone calls. This will ensure that you rest well, adjust the seat, mirrors and the climate within the car before proceeding with the journey. Pulling over to eat or drink which takes only a portion of minutes will ensure no heart burns that can destruct careful driving. Focusing on driving and avoiding multi-tasking is important to ensure safe driving. Staying focused on driving by avoiding distractions, such as phone use or other electronic gadgets while driving ensures that maximum concentration. Slow down where applicable as speeding gives little time to respond in case of emergencies and accelerates the severity of an accident.

The most significant reason why one should ensure safe driving is for own safety and the safety of others. Reckless drivers not only endanger their own life but also the life of other pedestrians. Defensive driving ensure that lanes are maintained to avoid crisscrossing which is the main reason as to why passengers are knocked down. Safe driving has financial gains too. When careful driving is considered, car insurance rates are lower. In some instances, insurance carriers will offer use of a GPS device through a phone application to determine how fast the car is operated, and that data is relayed back to the insurance company. In addition to GPS monitoring, careful driving ensures lower insurance premiums, since the cost of the insurance is based on the number of accidents and tickets received by the driver.

Careful driving sets a good example and often earns respect from other drivers. Texting while driving is currently one of the nations leading causes of accidents. With the development of cell phone applications such as Life 360, this allows parents to review phone usage while driving, the rate of speed, as well as other driving risks of the teen. Down for the Count is also another cell phone application that allows parents to disable phone usage of the teen while driving. Insurance companies are also offering incentives to drivers that choose to utilize phone applications to ensure road safety and no cell phone use while operating the vehicle.

Remaining focused while driving and understanding the importance of safe driving is invaluable. There are many benefits to safe driving, including limiting stress, but most importantly potentially saving the life of the driver as well as others. Accepting responsibility and having self-discipline are very important in ensuring safe driving. A huge amount of responsibility comes with the ability to have a driver’s license. It is also a privilege that requires focus and control.

Driver’s education is the single most important way that students can learn, the significance of rules of the roads and the importance of obeying traffic laws. Driver’s education also provides students with the opportunity to learn appropriate driving etiquette from a skilled instructor while gaining needed confidence behind the wheel. Boosting driving confidence helps teens learn how to navigate complicated situations that may arise while they are behind the wheel.

Concluding, the single most important way to decrease accidents is to not drive distracted, under the influence or drowsy. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective means of protecting yourself while driving or riding in a vehicle. Studies show that seatbelts not only save lives, but they also reduce the likelihood of significant injuries.