Be Aware, Show Those on the Road You Care

Be Aware, Show Those on the Road You Care

By Adreanna Rael

Since most of us have grown up riding in some type of automobile, it may not be as intimidating to get behind the wheel as we learn to drive. We take for granted the sheer physical power we have as we take control of the steering wheel. As Newtown stated, “An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” Learning to drive a car is an important milestone in a person’s life and driving safely isn’t always on the top of the list. If people could experience the power of force felt in an accident without getting hurt, I believe they would be more careful when driving at moderate to high speeds.

With thousands of drivers on the road every day, an accident can happen in a blink of an eye. Drivers ed needs to be mandatory for all because no life is worth losing to a car accident. Families, friends, pets are all at risk in the hands of an uneducated driver. A vital step is that we require drivers ed courses in all states. Personally, I was only required to take a three hours safety course before getting my driver’s permit. An intensive drivers ed program for new drivers is crucial to acquire good driving habits that one can carry throughout life. In many instances drivers ed class can be costly. I would advocate for states to offer free drivers ed courses to all new drivers.

Not too long ago I was in a car accident. The ordeal was a nightmare and I am thankful that no one was seriously hurt or killed. In my situation a driver failed to yield at an intersection, misjudged my speed and totaled the car I had just bought a few weeks earlier. That experience thought me that even though I may be following the rules of the road, that doesn’t mean other drivers around me are doing the same. I will never get over that traumatic experience. Going forwards I am more cautions of other drivers. We as drivers can make mistakes and we cannot think that others are always paying attention.

There are important steps we can all take to be safer and better drivers. Currently my car can’t remind me of important driving habits, but I can recite good habits that I will do as I drive before starting my car. A good habit that I have developed is to put my phone in driving mode, so I am not tempted to check my phone as I drive. Helping others stay safe is just as important as one taking a step to be safe. It would be a good reminder to tell others not to call or txt you as you’re driving. Reminding each other of good habits can consciously help remember the Do’s and Don’ts of driving. Being physically, emotionally, and mentally aware while driving is critical to keeping ourselves and others safe on the road.