It’s Not Just About You

The familiar ding of a text from a friend may sound alluring during the long stretch of a car ride. The familiar click of a seatbelt may sound unnecessary on a short, two-minute errand. The familiar slurp of morning coffee may sound appealing during the drive to work. Though these seemingly trivial acts sound all too familiar to most people, it endangers the lives of countless individuals.

“None of us were wearing a speed belt and I was pushing 65 in a 45,” he laughed, blind to the obvious discomfort of my best friend. I felt her stiffen beside me, as she drew a shaky breath. “We didn’t even get pulled over!” he guffawed, smirking as if this was some major accomplishment.

“That’s not anything to be proud of,” I remarked as I gently led my best friend away. She’d been involved in a car crash when a reckless driver had rammed into her car – resulting in a full 360-degree spin. Fortunately, despite car damage and minor injuries, neither party was seriously wounded. Yet, the memory of that horrific night was still fresh on her mind. After witnessing my best friend experience such a traumatic and grave accident, I have vowed that I would never make careless decisions behind the wheel. A vow that I have maintained and will continue to do so.

Driving is quite literally a life or death situation as the driver is responsible for the safety of passengers, pedestrians, motorists, and even wildlife. Driving is a risky situation that requires the full, undivided attention of the driver. In fact, 90% of car accidents can be attributed to human error. This horrifying statistic paired with the fact that in 2019 alone, 36,096 individuals lost their lives to a car accident further accentuates the importance of taking action against this crisis (data retrieved from the NHTSA). Not only does driver education provide a thorough and clear understanding of the rules of the road, but it also builds confidence in new drivers as they gain familiarity with navigating the road. By learning how to navigate the road more safely and being equipped with adequate knowledge, new drivers who undergo driver education courses tend to avoid accidents relative to those who haven’t.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Far too often, driving is seen as a method to clear one’s head. However, this is the complete opposite of the number one rule of driving: drive with a clear and logical head. Driving is, at times, quite spontaneous for it’s impossible to predict others’ moves. As a result, it requires the proper focus of the driver to anticipate and act in a timely fashion. Alcoholic beverages are notorious for the vision and cognitive impairment they induce. As a result, regardless of how stable one feels after downing a few drinks, it’s always better to call an Uber or cab than drive drunk. Similarly, avoid drinking or eating while driving; even a moment of distraction is enough time to lose control of the car.

We’ve all, at some time, been running late when we got stuck behind a slow driver or at a red light, growing more and more frustrated by the second. As the urge to cut others off or to speed intensifies, it’s incredibly important to maintain a calm and rational demeanor whilst driving. Never drive in an emotionally weak state; this applies to all instances of emotional instability ranging from a quarrel with your sibling to sobbing over a loss. Such occasions not only foster a negative mindset that distracts from driving but it also causes drivers to act on an impulse. Even taking a few minutes before driving to practice deep breathing and control intrusive thoughts can do wonders in relieving one’s emotional stress, and overall make for a better driver. Similarly, just as emotional preparation before driving is crucial, so too is vehicle preparation. Namely, checking the GPS, mirrors, seat, lights, tires, and gas and setting a playlist. Vehicle preparation prevents the driver from making adjustments while driving, allowing them to dedicate their full attention to the road. Just as the car needs to be physically fit to run, so too must the driver. Rather than blaming sleepiness on an all-nighter and dismissing it, it is important to recognize that this poor state of cognition is hazardous for countless motorists.

With the rapid growth of technology, social media and cell phones continue to remain addictive substances, especially for younger generations. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about one-third of all drivers admit to texting while driving, a task that is equivalent to drinking under the influence of four beers. No text can be as important as one’s safety and the safety of innocent travelers around them. Somewhat ironically, technology itself can be the solution to these irresistible gadgets. Apps such as OneTap and features such as Do Not Disturb can silence all incoming notifications and direct calls to voicemails. For inexperienced drivers — particularly teenagers such as myself — partaking in Teen Driver Safety Programs or a Defensive Driving course is a rewarding way to educate myself on safe driving practices. These classes expand beyond the basic rules of driving (eg. wearing a seatbelt, using the turn signal, etc.) and focus on building practical skills. By laying the foundation for developing and maintaining safe driving techniques, such programs encourage caution and vigilance in the stereotypically and statistically irresponsible younger generation.

A vast majority of vehicle fatalities are preventable and it is our duty as a community to lay the foundation for safe practices. Driving — an embodiment of independence, of exploration, of flexibility. That is safe driving.