Driving Safe, An Easy Way to Save Lives

Driving.
It is such a simple word, yet with it comes an immense amount of
danger. Too many lives are lost every year, merely driving. Many new
drivers do not take risks seriously and therefore forget about their
responsibilities while on the road. Educating future, as well as
current drivers, is essential to reducing the number of
driving-related deaths.

The
biggest reason it is essential to educate drivers is that managing a
car can be difficult, especially if a person does not know the rules
of the road. How could anyone feel safe being driven by let alone
driving on the same street as someone uneducated about the rules of
the road! Beyond teaching driver rules and safety precautions, driver
education reminds people that their actions have widespread effects
on those around them. A driver is not only responsible for his or her
own life but also the lives of passengers and other drivers. Without
drivers ed, many people would not see how their reckless
behavior may affect others.

Several
steps can be and are actively being taken in communities around the
country to lower the number of driving-related deaths. One step is
making drivers ed mandatory in public and private schools. In
addition to education, adding cameras to every intersection will
reduce mortality rates. By adding them, reckless drivers, who
otherwise would not be caught, will be punished before they cause an
accident. Another step is adding speedometers to streets, especially
in residential neighborhoods where pedestrians are often walking. A
final step to reducing deaths from reckless driving is increasing
involvment in organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving who
are actively fighting against driving under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. By taking these measures, communities can actively reduce
driving-related deaths.

I
am lucky enough not to have been in a car accident. When in the cars
of some of my friends, however, I have seen them drive
irresponsibly. I always tell them to be more careful while on the
street and try to convince them of the dangers of reckless driving. I
am proud to say that several of them have listened. I believe that
beyond establishing safe driving habits for ourselves, we must also
encourage our friends and family to do the same. One word of advice
from a trusted friend can very well save a life.

To
be a better driver, I can obey the rules that I took the time to
learn for my driving exam. They are not only crucial for passing a
test but are vital to being safe. Another step I could take is to
head to my destination early so that I am not tempted to speed or
take any risks while on the street. By ensuring I am never in a rush,
I can stay focused on what is truly important, driving safely. I can
help others drive safely by encouraging them to do so and advising
them when they are not.