Don’t Be a Crash Test Dummy

Answer me this. Why do surgeons go to medical school? If you answered, “to get their degree and get rich fast”, then you’re somewhat right but overall wrong. If you answered, “to save lives by utilizing what was taught in medical school”, then you’re right. Like medical school, Driver Education saves lives by teaching or informing drivers about the rules, hazards, and attitudes of the road. It teaches beginner drivers – mostly teenagers – the basics of driving: understanding how the car works; distinguishing the break from the accelerator; and on how to adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel to the appropriate height. Listening attentively to the Driver Ed course can reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities and keep you and others safe, because it also includes the driving skills needed to safely avoid accidents, from learning to read other people’s (drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists) intentions on the road to avoiding accidents caused from unexpected circumstances such as animals running out into the road or road debris.

Driving a car is both exciting and efficient, but remember it is a 3,000-pound object that can cause death. To stay safe on the road, here are some important steps or tips to keep in mind before getting behind the wheel. First, always wear your seatbelt. It is an important safety device that secures you and your passengers in place and prevents any harmful movement in case of a collision or sudden stop. Second, avoid distractions such as calling, texting, eating, drinking, changing songs on the radio or phone, and looking at passengers while talking. Removing distractions will allow you, the driver, to fully concentrate on your surroundings and be able to react quickly to unexpected circumstances. Accidents occur in seconds, so take the time to set yourself up before starting your drive. Third, obey all traffic rules. These rules include following the speed limit, heeding the right-of-way, obeying traffic signals, and leaving an adequate distance between you and another’s car. Obeying all traffic rules will not only ensure everyone’s safety but also save you from an expensive ticket or a preventable collision. Lastly, if unsure about what to do in certain situations, like driving in dangerous weather conditions, ask a trusted driver or search on the web. Also, don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that may impede your driving or cognitive ability. Following these simple but important tips can protect you and the others around you while driving.

Unfortunately, as a child I have been in two car accidents – one of which I almost died. My first car accident occurred when my dad, who was driving, was rear-ended by another driver who was distracted by their phone, thankfully no one was hurt. However, the same can’t be said for my second car accident in which my dad was once again rear-ended by a speeding driver who was also on their phone. At the time of the accident, I was a 6-year-old child who foolishly removed their seatbelt and was sent air-borne from the backseat towards the front windshield. Thanks to my dad’s quick reflexes he caught me mid-air, resulting in us only sustaining minor injuries. In these two accidents, both faulty drivers were distracted by their phones; choosing to risk another’s life by texting rather than focusing on driving.

As a driver myself, I try my best to set an example of what an ideal driver should be on the road by following the traffic rules and maintaining my car in running condition. The car accident from my childhood in which my life flashed before my eyes has made me more cautious on the road, so before leaving my driveway or parking spot, I always make sure my passengers and myself are buckled up for the ride. Like everyone else I am not a perfect driver and tend to get easily triggered with other drivers, which is why I’ve implemented a rule of taking deep breaths to stay patient and not instigate an argument. If a friend or family member ever partakes in any bad driving practices while I’m their passenger, then I will make sure to remind them of their bad habits as to ensure my own and the other passenger’s safety. To further secure your safety, weekly inspect each tire’s tread depth and air pressure; additionally, check and refill (if needed) your car’s coolant, steering, brake, oil, and water fluid levels.

In conclusion, be a responsible and safe driver who obeys all traffic rules and keeps their eyes on the road, because if you don’t then the chances of you and your passengers becoming crash test dummies increase exponentially.

References

U.S. Department of Health Sciences & Human Services. “Transportation Safety.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Feb. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/.