#X: Don’t Text and Drive

#X:
Don’t
Drive and Text

Driving
is no easy task and learning how to drive properly is essential in
reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Learning to
drive and the various different types of signs and signals could
drastically change the amount of teen accidents. Knowing a red light
and a stop sign are very typical signs seen daily, but a blinking red
light or a round-a-bout for a new driver can be very tricky. Cars are
not toys, and that’s
why drivers ed is around and should be required to obtain a
license.

Some
steps that could be taken are to put down your phone, do not drive if
you are exhausted, reduce the distractions, including friends and
loud music, look before changing lanes or merging onto the highway,
wear your seat-belt and always come to a full, complete stop at stop
signs. These things are crucial in practicing safe driving. When you
take your eyes off of the road for even two seconds, whether it is to
change the song, reply to a text or pick up a phone call, you are
putting yourself at risk to swerve into other lanes, accidentally run
a red light or even hitting someone. A text is not worth a life and
can wait, don’t
be selfish and think of others.

My
brother, when he was new to driving, decided to take my moms car for
a joyride with his friends while she was out of town. It was late at
night and they wanted to see how fast they could go. While reaching a
speed of 112 miles per hour, they were caught by a cop and given a
huge ticket. Thankfully no one was injured and they were able to come
home safe and sound, but others are not as lucky. This scenario could
have had a very different outcome and could have impacted our lives
permanently in a negative way. People loose their lives daily due to
reckless driving and it is extremely sad because there is a way to
prevent these tragic accidents. Practicing safe driving not only
keeps you safe, but also keeps everyone on the roads with you safe as
well.

Some
steps I can take to help myself and others be safer on the road are
to look both ways before going at a green light because you never
know if someone will run their red light, stay focused on the road
and present in the car to avoid zoning out, turn my phone on drive
mode so messages that are not an emergency will be muted and to drive
the speed limit to avoid reckless driving and loosing control of my
vehicle. Every driver has a responsibility while on the roads. Being
an aware driver, letting people in instead of blocking them out and
being patient with slow drivers is also a way to help others stay
safe and avoid unnecessary accidents.