Keeping Drivers Safe

Scholarship Confirmation

Keeping Drivers Safe

Since 1885 we have been trying to find new ways to make cars safer for everyone, with backup cameras, automated stopping when another car comes too close to you. Also lights to help when someone is in your blind spot. Although we have continued to update our cars we as people might need to update. Because of careless driving up to 40,000 people die a year to car accidents from drunk drivers to just going too fast. (https://safer-america.com/car-accident-statistics/). How can we ¨Update¨ ourselves to become better drivers?

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? How can you express your safety to your family and friends to avoid being in an accident? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

One of the most important things to focus on is ¨What steps can be taken to reduce deaths when driving?¨. A study at Harvard says that although we have been able to make our cars better, there is still room for improvement. They also say that we need better security and safety on cars. Hands free technology to keep our eyes on the road. The study says that we need stricter laws not only on how well they can drive but how fit they are to drive. Being able to turn your neck a full rotation and have vision checked. Good sensation in your feet. Always insist that all passengers buckle up in every seat. According to the Motor Vehicle Safety division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this reduces the risk of death and injury by nearly 50%. Doug Newcomb from pcmag states that we need more punishment, expensive tickets so that they won’t do it again. Newcomb adds that ¨Drivers continue to check phone notifications while behind the wheel. But what if phone automakers and phone suppliers implemented a form of lockout technology? Or roadway cameras policed speeding and seatbelt use? I’m not saying it will solve the problem, but perhaps drastic measures are required to reverse the upward trend in roadway deaths.¨ (https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-far-should-we-go-to-reduce-traffic-deaths)

Another thing that we should ask ourselves is, ¨What should you do when you see someone you know being irresponsible when driving?¨ First thing to do is to alert them of what they are doing wrong and how to fix it. If they are putting your life in danger then you have every right to make sure that they can get from point a to b without hurting anyone. Also if you don’t know them everyone should know to stay away from others. If you are the one driving and see someone being irresponsible https://www.etags.com/blog/bad-drivers-drive-you-mad/ says ¨assuming that they are out to get you isn’t true at all because they see every driver as obstacles to get through. Pay attention and remember to divide your attention between you and the other people around you.¨ The author also states that ¨Once you start realizing that there are things that you cannot change, you’ll be ready to start taking care of yourself at least. Nobody is free of a car accident but driving defensively reduces the chances of getting involved in a car crash.¨

Even though we have been talking about others a lot ¨What steps can I take to become a better driver?¨ https://www.metromile.com/blog/easy-tips-to-become-safe-driver/ has 20 different ways to prepare yourself and help yourself become the best driver you can be. One important thing they said was to always plan ahead. If you are going to be late then you will be late, do not try to speed your way to your destination. You would rather be late than dead. During inclement weather ,drive at slower speeds to avoid skidding on ice hydro planning, which is when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably because of wet or slick road conditions. Turn your lights on day or night when it is raining or if there is fog.

Remember: when the weather is terrible, go easy on the brakes to maintain better control over your vehicle.

All of these things will help make people more comfortable on the road. Yes there will always be that one person not doing what they are supposed to but, if many people start following these recommendations that were listed we would expect to see a decrease in deaths and injuries. Having to worry about others when driving would still be in the back of our minds but that is to make sure that we are safe. This is how we can ¨upgrade¨ upgrade our technology, our rules, our punishments, and us.