Steps to Safe Driving

Driver education is important since it provides teenagers with the rules of the road, the facts and suggestions that keep them safe, and the hands-on experience driving a car. For some teenagers driver’s education is their first exposure to driving a car and to understanding its rules and safety tips; so, it has a very big influence on how teenagers will drive in the future.

I haven’t experienced being in a car accident due to irresponsible driving; but, I have experienced a close call due to poor weather conditions as a Michigander where ice and snow can be a serious problem. Over 1,800 people die every year due to icy and snowy conditions. A few tips for people driving in states with icy and snowy weather like Michigan: drive slowly, slower than the speed limit if necessary. Take your time driving and plan ahead knowing that everyone will be moving very slowly. Be extra cautious when making turns, especially left turns. When stopping make sure there is enough space between you and the car in front of you just in case your car slips forward on its own due to icy roads.

Most car fatalities are caused by distractions such as using your phone, applying makeup or changing music, and excessive speeding. However, 300 people die every year and 840,000 are injured from blind spot related accidents. Before worrying about the problems while on the road, driver education programs should put more emphasis on the seemingly minor detail such as checking or adjusting a car’s mirrors and positioning the seat comfortably. Adjusting should be done before the car even starts so these problems are not trying to be fixed while on the road. When it comes to speeding, many driver’s education classes simply say don’t speed. It seems easy enough until a new driver is trying to keep up with the flow of traffic and there is pressure to speed up out of their comfort zone. A step to combat excessive speeding is by explaining that peer pressure/pressure from other drivers is very real. Remember that you’re the one following the rules and they’re in the wrong.

Cell phones are a major distraction. Over 2,000 people die every year due to cell phone related car accidents. They take both hand and eye coordination when your hand and eye coordination should be focused on the road. Put your phone on do-not-disturb. If you must look at your phone wait until you’ve reached your destination to check it. Don’t drink and drive. If you’re going out to a bar, have a designated driver or have another means of transportation such as an Uber or Lyft. Always keep your eyes on the road but never constantly look at one thing. Constantly examine your surroundings for people walking, other cars, and important signs. You never know when someone will run out or when a car may make a sudden or unexpected move, so always be watching. You can only control your own actions with your vehicle. Using these steps will help you and other drivers stay safe and prepared for whatever the roads may throw at you.