Inventions and Interventions

Raegan Russell

Driver’s Ed Scholarship

13 November 2020

Inventions and Interventions

In order to drive safely, you have to know the rules of the road. For instance, I participate in cheerleading, and the stunts we perform are dangerous. If we did not sit down and learn the safety rules and instructions before getting on the mat, someone would get hurt. Similarly, the rules and instructions to drive are very important to maintain safety. Although people learn the rules, many disregard them because they believe a car accident will not happen to them.

Some new steps that we could take to reduce the number of deaths relating to driving would be difficult to implement in everyone’s driving routines, but effective. The most complex idea would be to install a device in new vehicles that will not allow the vehicle to be put in drive until your phone is placed on the device. Furthermore, we could also add a feature in newer vehicles that does not allow the vehicle to be shifted into drive until the seatbelt is clicked. This would do away with phone usage while driving altogether. A simpler way to reduce distracted driving that would reach more people would be to require a class every year or two for licensed drivers to attend. The class would cover the dangers of distracted driving and update older drivers about new cautions as more technology is added to roads and vehicles. I also believe it should be discussed in school. Whether that be through an assembly once a semester or an entire class dedicated to road safety. It is important to be reminded of the dangers of driving because, after time, the care you give to driving fades away as you get more comfortable behind the wheel.

I have not personally been in a car accident, but I witnessed one when I was about ten years old on the way to Disney World in Florida. The lady driving in front of us had reached down to grab something off the floor of her car and lost control of the wheel. My dad had to help lift the car off of the lady so she could be freed from the restraint of the wrecked metal. It definitely made me want to be careful when I received my license at sixteen.

I can do my part in ensuring safety on the road for myself and those around me by following these steps. The first thing I do is put my seatbelt on and make sure my seat is far enough back to protect my face from the possibility of the airbag releasing. Next, I check all of my mirrors so I will not have to adjust them while driving. Then, I find the radio station I prefer and place my cell phone in the passenger seat, face-down and on silent, so I will not be tempted to grab it while driving. Lastly, I put my car in drive and I am on my way. Road safety is very important, and I am a big advocate for focused and safe driving.