“Being Aware”

Drivers ed Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat Submission
James Reagan

The innate human action of awareness is the item of the highest importance when talking in relation to reducing the number of deaths related to driving that have been recorded. When the driver is aware that means: there are a lack of distractions within the car, eyes are always maintained on the roadways, and proper safety precautions were followed in entering the vehicle such as wearing a seatbelt and always double checking moves made while on the road way. If the proper safety precautions have been followed prior to the motor vehicle usage, the only realistic step left to take in reducing driving related deaths is to remain fully engaged while driving and to be aware of other negligent drivers that could be around the immediate area. Properly operating the vehicle is another subject of importance, the car is a tool and should be used with respect because of the large magnitude of consequences that could result if the vehicle is treated as a toy. I have only been in two minor fender-bender accidents throughout my driving experience, but that does not mean that I am unaware of my surroundings while on the road. Though I have not been involved in a major car accident, while in the third grade I was struck by a vehicle in the head and leg while I was crossing a crosswalk with flashing lights and massive fluorescent signs. The driver was negligent in following the speed laws and struck my head with the passenger side rear-view mirror going nearly fifty miles per hour in a school zone. I received no major bodily harm from the accident other than a bruise and an interesting story, but I gained much more than I originally perceived. The incident caused me to understand the severity of taking charge of the actions you commit while operating a motor vehicle. I am always looking for ways to make my driving easier on every party involved, proper lane changes with signaling, obeying the physical road laws (lane indicators, traffic lights, etc.) and any action that would help those around me such as signaling for a downed vehicle on the side and changing lanes giving plenty of space as the traffic passes on the roadway. The reality of what could happen every single time that someone operates a motor vehicle was burned in to my mind from a very young age. Driver safety is dependent on the awareness of yourself and those around you on the road, a greater stress on the severity of the consequences needs to be made to the younger drivers that do not fully comprehend the possible results of their actions or lack of actions.