Behind the Wheel

It may only seem like you take your eyes off the road for a second to check your phone, but this is far from the truth. Studies have shown that when a person’s focus is diverted off the road, it takes about 20 seconds to fully regain it. Through the years, Driver’s Ed has incorporated more tactics to convey to drivers, especially teens, of the implications of dangerous habits when sitting behind the wheel. With facts, statistics, and even emotional accounts of people who have made regrettable actions on the road, a thorough driver’s education has effectively brought down the number of accidents on the roads in the past decade.

But the fight isn’t over. Through programs such as the Impact Teen Drivers that are required before teens can acquire their license, people are taught not only the possibilities of what may happen to them when attention is taken off of the road, but to others as well. Though a person may check their phone multiple times before an accident is made, it takes only one accident to cause irreversible damage to a person or another family. Every time someone gets on the road driving a vehicle, they must consider the other drivers who are someone’s father, mother, grandparent, teacher, child, and so much more. We must look past the cars on the road to the people and families inside of them. Drivers not only have an obligation of safety to themselves but to others as well.

Those who went through a Driver Education have been involved in fewer accidents than their counterparts who did not participate in a Driver’s Education. Always obey traffic laws, don’t exceed the speed limit, be cautious of inclement weather, and follow the traffic lights. Understand the paths of other drivers and don’t make sudden movements on the road. Ensure that there is at least a 3-second following distance between the car that is in front of you and make sure all the passengers buckled and do not create distractions that may put their lives at risk.

If there is an important text or notification that needs to be checked, the driver should find a safe place to stop such as a parking space, and make sure that their car is set on park before checking their phone. Even when stopping at a red light, the driver should always be alert and defensive. Defensive driving is the best way to avoid accidents because it takes into account mistakes that other drivers might make. No matter how enticing checking a phone may be, the driver needs to be aware of the implications of their actions on multiple aspects of life such as vehicle and medical costs. What may be just checking your texts could cost another person their life.

So what is the moral of the story? We are all human, and mistakes are bound to be made. However, it is our job to make sure we keep our chance of making mistakes to a minimum, and the best way to do so is by thinking ahead and taking all the precautions necessary. This means always be aware and responsive, know the consequences of your actions, and consider the safety of yourself and others on the road.