Speeds Thrills, but Kills

One millisecond, I hear my car roar with a screeching noise. My body drastically jerks to the left as I grip the wheel with dear life. My heart pumping as if it would burst out of my chest at any minute. The passenger side is covered in glass, as it crumbles into mini crystals. I look up and see my body and my car stuck in the middle of the road. Witnesses drive past slowly, staring me down as if I was a ghost. My mind is racing, as I try to make my next move. I am crying frantically as I rush to grab my phone to call 9-1-1. I proceed to call my mother to inform her of a lady t-boning me and asked her to come as soon as possible. The dreadful process soon begins after, flipping my world completely upside down.

I have been a victim twice of irresponsible driving that has caused a huge strain on my family and I. As I continue to practice defensive driving, there is still always the chance of being affected by another driver. Reckless driving is one of the drastic causes for deaths, physical disabilities, and emotional and mental strain. Whether you are behind the wheel of a car, whether alone or with passengers, driving safely should always be your top priority concern. Typically, when driving safely is the topic of discussion, many people result to speeding and multi-tasking being the root of the problem. Although this is true and a great factor of car-accidents, there is another leading factor that is not expressed enough, yet it holds very heavy weight. The emotional state an individual is in when driving is far overlooked, which is also a problem when it comes to driving safely. Typically, people who are speeding and are aggressive on the road could be because they are anxious, frustrated, or in a rush to an event to which they are late. However, this distorts cognitive thinking when it comes to following the rules on the road. A person will turn quickly in front of a car because they are impatient to wait; however, this can increase the probability of a car crash to occur. It is not safe for oneself to drive shrouded with negative emotions because it will alter how you drive, as well as put others at risk. Controlling your temper and asking yourself if risking to indulge in this act is worth your life or someone else’s, can benefit the driver and others driving. Therefore, I practice being mindful while driving and staying content in my situation regardless of my circumstance. Just as I practice that within myself, I believe others should view this aspect with higher sensitivity.

Along with being mindful on the road, with your emotions, learning to not multitask, while being alert of all drivers, can make a great positive impact in the rate of car accidents. In a society where technology has been a driving factor in how the world communicates, many drivers will text and talk on the phone at the same time of operating a vehicle. The number of deaths and car accidents that have resolved from a person needing to send that text and look down at their cellphone is not worth it. The cellphone and the text message will always be their ready to send when the time is right; however, a person’s life can be taken in just a second, which is worth way more than any technological device. Due to this issue, I have incorporated being cellphone free when operating a vehicle. I turn on “Driving Do Not Disturb” on my phone before proceeding on the road. This way I will not receive phone calls, text messages, or any noise of notifications that could pose as a distraction. I also keep my phone out of sight, reluctant to give into temptation. This way I am fully immersed in the moment, and I am able to be better at defensive driving for myself and others. I also advise others to do the same by reminding them to not text and drive when I am present in the car with them. This way there is no excuse to not be alert while driving and it will make everyone a sensible driver moving forward.

Driver Education is important for the prevention of fatal car accidents and preventing future deaths on the road. It is a mission of Driver Education’s role to reduce the rate of crashes, through the use of various marketing strategies and informational programs, with a goal of decreasing the rate of car crashes nationwide, both fatal and non-fatal. Driver education provides inexperienced drivers the knowledge about being on the road. As upcoming young drivers become of legal age to begin their driving experience, they become very eager to get on the road and feel freedom. Although, there is great freedom that comes with driving, there is a great responsibility that is stressed to those young individuals. Driver Education is a simple and convenient way that gives all the tools needed to create a safe space for drivers. Making small step by step changes will make this world a more reliable and safe space.