How You Drive Can Safe Lives

Raquel Cortez

15 November 2020

How You Drive Can Save Lives

Being a safe and cautious driver is the most important aspect when becoming a driver. Ensuring that you continue to be a safe driver once you get your license is also just as important. Driver education is very important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving because the more educated you are about all of the rules and regulations on the road, the less likely something bad is going to happen. When teens pass their driving education test it is proven to be less likely to be involved in accidents because they have the knowledge of safe driving. Although car accidents and fatality rates are highest in teens ages 16-18 years old. I think this could be because of how new teen drivers are and because our brains are not fully developed yet and can cause impulsive decisions in some people. I believe that one of the biggest problems that drivers have, especially teens and young adults is having the distraction of their phones while being behind the wheel. Being on your phone while driving is extremely dangerous and has caused many people to lose their own lives, as well as endangering other people’s lives around you because of it.

There are so many different steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, but one of the biggest one has to do with texting and driving. Making sure every driver has no distractions while driving so that their focus is 100% on the road and what is going on around them. Putting your phone on do not disturb or turning your ringer off can help with this tremendously. Other simple steps to include would be obeying the traffic laws, driving rested, and avoid driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Making sure no one is driving recklessly and following all the rules of the road can ensure that everyone around each other will be safe. When you do get behind the wheel you should be in the perfect condition to be driving, that includes being fully rested and being in the right mindset in order to be driving. It is also never acceptable to get behind the wheel while you have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol and should always have someone else who is okay to drive or call a car service. Although there are times when people make mistakes, these should be limited. If there is an accident, making sure you ALWAYS wear your seat belt because that can be the line between life and death.

Although I have never been in a car accident myself, I have witnessed friends and family be irresponsible while driving. Giving them key reminders to stay off their phone while driving has definitely made a difference. Steps that I will take to ensure that I am always a safe driver is to make sure that I am always being safe and cautious behind the wheel with no distractions. I will also ensure to try and help others stay safe on the road by reminding them to be a safe and cautious driver. For example, if I am in the passenger seat with someone driving and they seem like they need to go on their phone I will offer to help them and do whatever they need to do so they can focus on the road. Driver’s education can save people’s lives and I hope everyone takes it as seriously as I do.