When We Drive

“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” says every decent parent before letting their child get their license. We all nod and go along with it because we’re excited about being able to finally drive on our own, but we don’t actually think about it. We don’t think about the lives we put in danger when we forget to check for oncoming traffic in the process of turning right on a red light or if we don’t even stop for it. Most teenagers don’t worry about speed limits or even something as small as slowing down for a sharp turn.

One of the most important things we can do as drivers is just to be actively paying attention to every move we make. People usually keep in mind that they’re responsible for their passengers in the car with them but often it’s their job to drive safely around other vehicles too. We are responsible for protecting everyone who is on the road with us, including pedestrians. If a driver is unaware or unconcerned with driving laws in their area, they are likely to cause an accident. This is why it’s important to stay educated about the area one is driving in, especially if it is an unfamiliar one, and look for traffic/ road signs. Obeying reduced speed signs on country roads, maintaining a steady rate of speed on highways, and changing lanes smoothly (plus using a turn signal beforehand) all seem like simple things to do as a driver but they are vital in keeping everyone on the road safe.

Another action that some drivers take, leading to unnecessary, preventable accidents is assuming things while driving. It is nearly the most catastrophic thing a driver can do. Assuming the way is clear before quickly pulling out into an intersection is a surefire way to get T-boned. If you assume there won’t be a pedestrian in the crosswalk just because the red hand light is flashing, you could end up hitting someone who was in a bit of a hurry. Being an assumer is how thousands of drivers, especially those who are inexperienced or late for an event/ work, get into fatal accidents. Drivers should always check to be sure the way is clear before they even think about stepping down on the gas pedal.

Every single driver must work together to ensure they are driving as safely as possible. It can’t just be a select few of us who care about obeying traffic laws. It has to be all of us. If further isn’t taken by every fresh teenager, just getting their license, the number of accidents and driving related deaths will not go down. People will keep dying unless we ALL take action! Work to educate others and make sure that you yourself aren’t getting away from the goal of actively focusing on driving safely and checking before making any decisive action while driving.