“Good Drivers” Vs ” Safe Drivers”

Q.What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?

A. Any skill requires first education and second practice. The art of driving is one skill, however the art of being responsible behind the wheel is completely different and should be viewed as different. Many young men, myself included, believe that being a good driver is knowing how to control your car, meaning, how to perform well behind the wheel. However this isn’t actually what is very helpful when it comes to being a responsible driver and the connection to reducing accidents and deaths as a result of accidents.

See, the word accident implies that something was of no fault or was unavoidable, however largely all accidents are avoidable. Completing a driver education course helps an individual to understand these differences and to practice “conscious safe driving” instead of just trying to be “good at driving”.

Q. What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

A. So in order to really reduce the number of deatrhs related to driving, one must look at how to avoid accidents.

1. Always drive after being well rested. Never drive during extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation.

2. Never use substances that can impair your ability to think clearly examples include drugs alcohol and many prescribed medications.

3. Never allow destractions while driving, this includes texting, however can be adjusting the radio or attempting to manage the navigation system.

4. Always begin your journey prepared. Check fluids, tire capacity, lights, mirrors, and set navigation before leaving.

5. Place your cell phone in “driving mode”. Many cell phones will automatically reply to text messages with a generic message that says “I’m driving now, I will get back to you as soon as I am stopped and in a safe location.”

6. Avoid driving in extreme weather conditions. Only drive in extreme conditions if it is absolutely necessary.

7. Adhere to posted speed limits. These roads have been driven by professionals who know exactly how fast or slow a curve needs to be taken, so believe them when you see a sign that says to slow down for a curve. If it says the curve is only safe at 35mph, then only take it at 35mph. (loose sand and gravel on curves can make them remarkably dangerous when not adhering to posted and suggested speed limits)

8. Always use all safety equipment recommended when driving. Utilize seatbelts and enforce your passengers to wear them. Utilize car seats for children and do not let children under 16 in the front seat of your car.

9. Do not travel with dangerous tools loose in your trunk, or combustable materials. Things loose in the trunk of a car can become a projectile during an impact.

Q.Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

A.My brother often will attempt to surf music to play in his car and one day he was simply skipping to the next song, and looked down, within a split second the driver in front of him slammed on his breaks and my brother slammed on his but still tapped the bumper. I remember thinking how quickly everything happened, it almost felt unavoidable, but in hindsight, that split second of his eyes being cast onto the radio was enough to interrupt his ability to react in a timely manner.

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

What I can do to be a better driver is to practice what I know to be the truthes about preventing accidents. Naturally being a conscious safe driver protects others on the road, but we can do so much more. I will be a role model by always practicing safe driving in the presence of my friends and family. Additionally when I am with my friends, I will encourage and demand for them to adhere to the best known safe practices.