Eyes on the Road

Eyes on the Road

At the moment, our world is besieged by a deadly virus. Staying safe from Covid is on everyone’s mind, but there is an epidemic even more deadly than Covid silently making its rounds: reckless driving. Educating drivers helps “vaccinate” them, defending against unsafe behaviors every time they put their hands on the wheel. If they are expected to drive well and cautiously, the first step logically involves their knowing how to do so, and moreover, being trained in doing so. Then, just as soldiers are conditioned to react appropriately to a myriad of different situations, so too will drivers be conditioned to practice proper driving techniques wherever they may be.

Beyond education, there are additional steps that may be taken to make sure everyone follows the rules of the road. Cracking down on driving without a license, or forgery of driver’s licenses, would drastically reduce collisions and fatalities both because of the decreased traffic in general, and because those left on the road would be the ones actually qualified to drive. Increased penalties for driving under the influence. Having no control of his faculties is no excuse for a driver to cause an accident if he is the one who got himself into that state in the first place. No one force-fed him drugs or alcohol. He alone is responsible for his condition, and for anything he does while he is in that condition. Moreover, if the authorities show a lack of backbone in regards to drug dealing, the results will be seen on the road. Overall, sufficient deterrent must be put in place to prevent crimes, road-related or otherwise, from ever happening at all. Without external aid, drivers should be able to exercise prudence, making sure that they are well-rested before driving, and keep their hands off their phones throughout the journey.

I have never been in a collision before, although once, while my mother was driving to school with me, we drove over a deep puddle during a turn, causing the vehicle to hydroplane. It was by grace alone that we never hit the guard rail (and that no one else hit us). Instead, the car spun a few times before finally coming to a halt. It was a jarring experience, and now my mother is always even more careful to drive more slowly when it rains, especially when turning. I do, however, know many people who have been in accidents, and others who drive recklessly (living in Florida, we encounter them every day). Dangerous drivers are at best a nuisance to all around them, and at worst a potentially lethal threat.

In my personal life, I can become a better driver first and foremost by listening to advice from trustworthy adults and driving instructors. They know better than I, and deserve my respect and obedience. I should also be sure to obey all speed limits, which are posted for the safety of all drivers, as well as all other traffic laws. I can also practice self-control in staying away from phones and other distractions while driving. Finally, cultivating awareness while driving can save lives. A driver who is fully in tune with his surroundings can not only concentrate on minimizing his own mistakes, but also compensating for the mistakes of others.