Driving is a Matter of Life or Death

Raeya Maza

12 October 2020

Driving is a Matter of Life or Death

Driving is a matter of life or death. Once the driver steps inside their vehicle, it is their choice whether to drive responsibly or not. Choosing the latter puts both themselves and others at risk. Responsible driving includes paying attention to the road, not driving while under the influence, and following the rules of the road learned through driver’s education class.

Driver education is important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Whether drivers are educated through a class or through a well-educated, experienced driver, they learn more than they would from just going into a car with no experience. Driver’s education class teaches basic rules of the road as well as rules that some may not know through lectures, games, and textbook reading to make sure the information gets stored into the students’ brains.

In addition to driver education, more rules and requirements can be implemented to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. These rules can include that all school parking lots and highly child/teen-populated areas must have speed bumps on their roads to reduce distracted driving and speeding. Also, more rules can be put in place when it comes to getting one’s license as it seems to be a somewhat easy process and teenagers are more likely to be reckless drivers.

Reckless, distracted driving has impacted me personally. About a year ago, I had just gotten into my car, about to leave the school parking lot, when another student backed into my car. Ever since then, I have been extremely aware of my surroundings and notice other reckless drivers. Surprisingly, this is a common occurrence, and it needs to be solved.

Even if someone is not a reckless driver, there are steps they can take to decrease other reckless drivers, steps that I take as well. These steps include talking to friends or family if they are seen driving recklessly or distracted, becoming an advocate for reckless driving or helping spread awareness, and encouraging people to fully turn off their cell-phones while driving as well as doing it themselves. Although one may not believe they are a reckless driver, they should keep in mind the qualities one may pertain such as being distracted while driving, speeding, and not being aware of one’s surroundings and try to avoid acquiring any of these.

Furthermore, driving is a situation that puts many people’s lives at risks if not done correctly. Correct driver education, following the rules of the road, and taking steps to decrease deaths related to driving can lead to a safer driving environment for everyone.