We All Need To Do Our Part Behind The Wheel

James W. Nicoll

I finally earned my wings to independently drive myself to school and work. My mom is not neurotic about my driving off on my own. But her uncle was killed in an accident the year she was born. He was just eighteen. My grandmother has been haunted by the tragedy of losing her baby brother so young. It’s created a lot of distress for her and she has never been able to effectively manage her anxiety. My mom has been very communicative with me about the importance of driving safely. She knows me well enough to know I will never be distracted by my cell phone. I am old school. My phone gets used for phone calls and an occasional text. Surfing the internet on my phone doesn’t exist in my world so it’s not even a consideration while driving. I have adopted some of my grandmother’s neurosis and get upset when I am in the car with a distracted driver. I recognize how critical it is to always pay attention to the road.

I participated in the required driver’s education course. I was cognizant that some of the students seemed uninterested in paying attention. This concerned me. These were my peers and they were going to be new drivers on the road just like me. All new drivers need to fully comprehend the importance of safe driving and the repercussions of not paying attention while behind the wheel. Driver’s education teaches new drivers the importance of driving safely and following proper precautions such as always wearing a seat belt, maintaining appropriate driving speeds, and keeping a safe driving distance between other cars. New drivers often are younger individuals who may be distracted by the use of cell phones, having friends in their vehicle, or they lack self-control to avoid the temptation of drinking and driving. Driver’s education can educate and inform new drivers of the dangers of distracted driving. It can also teach them about the dangers of drinking or doing drugs and getting behind the wheel. Young drivers often don’t understand the consequences that come from these dangerous situations.

Everyone can play an important role in taking steps to reduce the number of driving deaths. We can all be role models by following the rules of the road, avoiding any distractions such as cell phone use behind the wheel, and always designating a sober driver when going out. Also, whenever possible, avoid being on the road during times when drinking and driving is more prevalent such as late weekend nights. We can all be a voice for safe driving by talking to others about the importance of following the rules of the road.

I have friends with family members that regularly drink and get behind the wheel. My mother talks to me often about the dangers of drinking and driving. She has taught me that we all should communicate with each other and advocate for safe, sober driving without distractions. Since I began driving, I have become very aware of how erratic and unsafe many drivers are. People often tailgate, break speed limits, or go through red lights. I realized how important it is to always be a defensive driver. I will always avoid cell phone use while driving, maintain a safe speed and driving distance, and follow the rules of the road. I have been educated on the effects of alcohol and addiction runs in my family. I don’t plan to ever drink alcohol and can confidently say I can regularly volunteer as the designated driver when out with friends.

Distracted driving is anything that captures the attention of the driver behind the wheel. By becoming distracted, he or she may overlook hazardous situations or lose control of the vehicle. Distracted drivers put themselves, and those around them on the road, at risk. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a brief moment, they lose their focus. Being distracted by cell phone usage is the most common type of distraction and leads to drivers not being aware of potential hazards because they are not focused on the road. Because many states ban handheld phones but allow hands-free devices, it gives drivers a false sense of security when using their cell phones hands-free. Other distractions include the driver taking their hands off the wheel for any reason and endangering the driver, passengers, and anyone else on the road. Examples include eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. The motorist’s reaction time and control of the vehicle is compromised if both hands are not on the wheel. Daydreaming, talking to a passenger, being preoccupied, or listening to an audio book are all examples of distractions as well. Many drivers believe they are doing everything appropriately; their eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel. However, if something else has captured the driver’s attention, then they are not adequately focused on driving and not fully aware of the dangers of being on the road. Teen drivers are the most likely to be distracted while driving.

To reduce or eliminate cell phone distraction, the driver should operate the GPS before leaving for their destination. If the GPS needs to be adjusted, the driver should pull over to adjust it or have a passenger make necessary changes. If GPS is not needed, the cell phone should be put away while driving to avoid temptation. If possible, the driver should download an application that will silence calls or texts while driving. This will eliminate the impulse to check the phone. New drivers should be educated on the dangers of using their cell phones while driving. Parents need to pay attention to their teens’ behaviors and take away cell phones if it seems obvious they may be distracted while driving.

To do my part, I will try to always remain educated about the rules of the road. I have encounter many situations where I wasn’t sure what to do. Has anyone ever driven around a rotary? I may not know what to do in that moment but I will do everything possible to learn from it. I have already picked up the phone a few times to call the police station to ask what to do in a given situation. Who better to ask than law enforcement? As mentioned earlier, I will volunteer as a designated driver and will never put myself in a dangerous situation getting in a car with a drunk driver. If I need GPS on my cell phone, I will plug in the address before operating my vehicle. Lastly, I will always be vocal with family or friends if I observe them driving distracted or breaking driving rules. We all need to do our part to maintain a safe driving environment.