It’s Up to Me

Driving in the real world is different than driving in Mario Kart. In the video game version, there are not real consequences of reckless driving. By educating potential drivers of the dangers they can encounter while driving helps future drivers to take driving more seriously. Often the drivers ed includes real life pictures of accidents to help drive home the message. Therefore, it is important to teach potential drivers how to behave on the road so that they do not contribute to hazardous conditions. How to manage road rage, how to minimize or eliminate distractions such as cell phones, music and eating. Also, how to recognize dangerous driving conditions such as storms, fog and wildlife. Finally, ensuring that one’s vehicle is in proper operating condition.

A bigger emphasis on personal responsibility is one step that can be taken to reduce the number of vehicular deaths. Whether a driver’s attention is minimized due to distractions or impairment, it remains important to be responsible for one’s actions. Education and Public Service Announcements are wonderful supplements, too. Lastly, a yearly or biyearly recertification program can be beneficial. Many professions require one to pursue continuing education via conferences or seminars. The recertification can be an hour-long video presentation with questions spread out throughout the presentation to ensure that the participant is engaged throughout the presentation. Perhaps an in-person seminar may also be provided. The recertification can focus on the most current problems facing drivers so that it may remain relevant.

In my case, I was irresponsible but not driving thoughtlessly. It was a rainy night and I was returning home. Instead of waiting out the storm, I insisted on driving home. I was going at a speed that was consistent with the visibility and conditions at the time. Despite that, I hit a patch of water that caused me to spin around. I must have done a 360. It scared me very much as I was on a major roadway. Fortunately for me there were no on-coming cars and I was able to get home safely. Nevertheless, it remains a vivid reminder of ensuring that I only drive when it is safe to do so.

As mentioned before, I take the time to determine if it is safe for me to drive home: Am I sleepy? Am I impaired? Am I able to drive home without distracting myself? Meaning, have I set my music to a playlist before driving off? One last thing that my dad taught me was to play the “What if” game. What if that driver cuts me off? What if that driver were to slam on their brakes? Leading by example is one way I can help others before safer on the road.