Name: Lexie Smither
From: Weston, Missouri
Votes: 0
Staying Safe on the Road
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day almost 3,700 people are killed globally in automobile accidents. Drivers education provides individuals the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for vehicle safety both as a driver and as a pedestrian. Drivers Ed promotes confidence on the road, personal responsibility, defensive driving techniques, rules of the road, mechanical knowledge, lower insurance premiums, and greater awareness of drugs and alcohol. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015, teens that participate in this driver safety program are in fewer accidents, score higher on the driving exam, and are much safer on the road. Drivers Ed instructs individuals what techniques to use to be a safe driver in all scenarios. This course teaches valuable road skills and educates people in the long run for safe and smart driving experiences.
There are a plethora of steps to be taken that can reduce the number of deaths related to driving. These include driving rested, obeying traffic laws, wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, steering clear of alcohol and drugs, being predictable, and anticipating the actions of other drivers around. There is no situation in which being on time is more important than the safety and lives of others.
On April 19th, 2017, my physical education coach Nate Danneman got killed by a semi-truck on the interstate. The truck driver had a dog in the vehicle and was distracted. He took his eyes off of the road for a split second. This caused him to lose control of the truck. He over corrected and struck the cable barrier causing him to enter the southbound lanes. The semi-truck completely demolished Coach Danneman’s car. He died on impact. This was a very heartbreaking and devastating time for my community because he was so loved by everyone. This tragedy was a complete eye opener on how one second of distraction can cause someone to lose his life. This incident has taught me how important it is to be a safe, smart, and aware driver at all times.
To become a safer driver on the road, educate yourself on proper driving techniques and traffic laws. Adjust the mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear. Always wear your seatbelt on properly. If there is a text message or phone call that is too important to wait, pull over. Never distract yourself in a way that can cause a major accident, or even death. Don’t let other passengers distract you while driving. Make sure that passengers have their seatbelts on at all times. Make sure that the car is properly working before going out anywhere. Keep attention and eyes on the road at all times. Be aware of drivers surrounding you because even if you are doing everything correctly, they may not be. Drive cautiously and anticipate problems before they come to you. Ultimately, these steps will make you and other individuals become safer and smarter drivers on the road.
