To Making the Roads Safe

To Making the Roads Safe

Receiving drivers ed contributes to reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving due to the proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes being taught and needed for vehicle safety both as a driver and pedestrian.¹ The point of drivers ed is to educate individuals on the laws of the road that are established to keep everyone on the road safe. Driving is a privilege and it should be thought and respected as one, and if not, that privilege should be revoked to maintain the safety of everyone on the road.

There are multiple steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First, drivers edal classes can be more thorough, even if that results in longer class periods. The students should be confident in the material they learned and will be able to retain and apply that knowledge when they get on the road. As well as, the tests should be able to demonstrate the drivers’ full comprehension of the laws and road safety. Next, laws of the road can be stricter. A high number of car accidents occur from the use of alcohol. In 2016, 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.² If laws were stricter on operating vehicles while under the influence, we could save lives and keep the roads safe. Finally, make information about safe driving more prominent. Social media is big in this era; therefore, we can use that to our advantage and educate people on safe driving. Continually providing statistics and data that show the negative results of unsafe driving and provide ways to promote safe driving. For example, texting and driving is a big problem, however, apps have come out that do not allow phone use while on the road and the use of those apps can be promoted. However, if you have enough self-control, turn your phone on do not disturb while driving and whenever you get to your destination turn the do not disturb off and respond to your messages accordingly. It is a choice whether or not you decide to be a safe driver, make the right choice.

I am blessed to say I have been safe from any accidents and have not witness reckless driving from friends or family members.

I can become more aware of the road and be more of a defensive driver to ensure my safety and others safety while I am on the road. Defensive drivers are more alert and aware of their surroundings, while offensive drivers are only focused on where they are going. If you know what is going on in your area, you will have the abilities to react accordingly if something unexpected occurs. I can encourage the use of defensive driving toward my friends and have them more aware of the dangers that can occur while on the road, as well as, promote the multiple ways to reduce unsafe driving previously stated.

References

1. The How And Why Of Drivers ed – DriversEd.com. Driversed.com. https://driversed.com/driving-information/the-driving-privilege/the-how-and-why-of-drivers-education.aspx. Published 2020. Accessed June 11, 2020.

2. Impaired Driving: Get the Facts | Motor Vehicle Safety | CDC Injury Center. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html#:~:text=In%202016%2C%2010%2C497%20people%20died,involved%20an%20alcohol%2Dimpaired%20driver. Published 2020. Accessed June 6, 2020.