Driving and Diabetes

Undoubtedly, the numbers of deaths resulting from reckless, impaired or careless driving keeps escalating year after year. Unfortunately, there seems to be no one single week in my state, South Carolina, or nationally, that we don’t learn in the news or social media about a new teenage death because of a car accident. Let’s be honest, many people attend drivers’ Ed as a requirement, or as a way to get an insurance discount. In my case, I have to admit, I went to driver’s education class as a requirement to get a parking spot in my school. Little did I know that I was going to learn so many important things that are meant to keep me and my passengers safe while on the roads. I strongly believe that those pieces of advice and norms that I learned in class, and that I keep in mind every time I turn the ignition key on, have aided me to become a better, more responsible driver.

The best way to lower driving-related deaths is a combination of two things: to keep improving on cars and the technology in them; and to continue providing people with an opportunity to educate themselves continually in defensive driving strategies. Driving smart cars that can realize when an accident will occur and have the vehicle itself take the best actions to keep the driver safe through the accident is a wonderful tool; but it could take years for everyone to be able to acquire that kind of technology. The simpler way for right now is for everyone to keep in check with themselves. To make sure that they are attentive and fully able to be safely driving. Not under the influence of any drug or alcohol, and to not be checking your phone or busy talking to another person instead of staying attentive to the road. If we ourselves were to always be fully aware of the roads we drive on, and always keep ourselves in check, more than 80% of the accidents occurring on the road would disappear.

After a few months of receiving my drivers license, I was involved in a minor accident with another car. I was unaware of the driver that was coming up on the road as I did not see them, and they crashed into me as I was trying to get onto the road. Luckily I did not have any other passengers in my car at the time and no one was hurt in any way. The accident resulted in minor damage but regardless, it was my first ever accident on the road so I was shook for a while. The event taught me that I can’t never be too careful and I’m never completely safe or secure on the road,and I always have to be super attentive no matter what to make sure I dont cause harm to myself or others. After this minor collision, I can truly say that I not only believe in the importance of following all the teachings from my Drivers’ Education class, but I also act upon what I learned and I put it into practice every time I drive.

Making sure that I have the proper documentation with me, insurance, registration, drivers license, etc… Being aware of the mechanical status of my vehicle, putting on my seat belt, respecting all the road signs, as well as knowing what to do in case of a collision; are some of the givens that I and all drivers should know very well before we get on the road. In my particular case, I have to be a little extra careful because I am a type one diabetic. I always check my sugar levels before I get in my car, and I always make sure that I have my diabetic supplies with me in my vehicle just in case of an emergency. I need to have a visible sign inside my car or on me, a bracelet for instance, that will help any first responders to easily identify me as a type one diabetic. Being a responsible, courteous, safe driver can save your life, and be a good model for all your friends and family to follow. In my conversations with my friends when the topic of driving comes up, I always try to be the one who makes good decisions. In the end, it is not worth losing your life over a couple of minutes, for over-the-speed limit driving or any other irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel. A little courtesy and respect for your fellow drivers can start making a difference in everyday life. As the old saying goes, “Politeness costs nothing and gains everything.”