In The Driver’s Seat

One minute. One minute is all it takes and everything you know and love will cease to exist. Loved ones will mourn your tragic death, as they know it could have been prevented. The memory of your life will become blurry and soon people will forget and live the rest of their lives without you. Why? Because you weren’t educated on proper driving techniques.

Getting an education regarding road safety is an important aspect before obtaining your license. Knowing who turns first in a four-way intersection could be the difference between life or death. Driving courses not only teach you how you should be driving, but also teach you how others might be thinking. Recognizing the signs of road rage or intoxication on the road are very important for the safety of oneself and others. If drivers take notice of how others are acting, they can take further precautions to guarantee their safety on the road.

Obeying the rules of the road, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting the recommended amount of sleep, and steering clear of texting and driving are all excellent ways to avoid and prevent traffic accidents. One should also always make sure to check that their car is in good working condition prior to driving. If the brakes are not working 100% of the time, do not drive. If your mirrors are not adjusted to your height, readjust them. Thousands of people every year are injured due to faulty brakes. It is not wise to speed on the road, no matter how dire the situation is. One must make sure to remember that they are endangering the lives of others and their own. If you or others have plans to get intoxicated, making sure there are alternative ways to get home is also another safety precaution others can take. Calling a taxi or an Uber, taking the bus, or simply asking for a ride from a sober driver are all good alternatives.

I see many drivers get consumed with the temptation to look at their phone, or participate in any distracting activity while driving. This includes even the wise people in my life, such as my parents. These small actions could be the cause of their death or somebody else’s. Whenever this happens I remind them of the dangers of what they are doing. People often believe that they are immune to death by unnatural causes. “It won’t happen to me.” is what they tell themselves. The National Center for Health Statistics reported that the mortality rate of motor vehicles is 1 in 106. We are all on an even playing field and have the equal opportunity to fall victim of a vehicle accident.

To be a better driver I need to practice safe driving techniques. Removing my phone from my reach is essential to my safety. Texting and driving is one of the most deadly weapons. If my focus is not at 100%, I should not be driving on the road. The CDC reported that about 6,000 fatalities occur every year due to drowsy driving. Getting the recommended amount of sleep is essential to having good awareness and reaction time. Focus and education are all contributing factors to how one drives. Tomorrow, will your loved ones be mourning your tragic death?