Switching Your Habits into Gear

In a world where life is so fragile, being an educated driver prior to taking on the unpredictable and perilous roads proves extremely valuable in protecting the safety of others and oneself.

To be an educated driver is to understand how to operate a vehicle safely and have the habits and practices in place to make neighborhood streets, highways, and intersections a safer place. The World Health Organization states that, worldwide,1.3 million people die each year in car accidents. The cause of these deaths… distracted driving, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, speeding, unsafe internal car practices, or even being tired while driving, all circumstances that can easily be prevented by being a safe and educated driver. Even with required lessons and driver’s education before receiving a license, many still succumb to the common errors that make the act of driving so unsafe, thus leading to deadly accidents. When individuals are educated on how to apply their learning, accidents can be prevented by reducing the amount of unsafe circumstances present in the driving population, thus reducing the number of deaths as a result.

In order to be a safer driver and reduce driving-related deaths, keep in mind a few simple rules: limit distractions while driving, remain focused while operating a vehicle, and don’t drive if it is not safe. Limiting distractions while in the driver seat prevents small errors that could lead to crashes or life-ending accidents. Putting your phone away or turning down loud music while in the car allows a driver to stay vigilant with their eyes on the road. While notifications will last until later, a person’s life is in the present and must be protected. Similarly, remaining focused while driving additionally prevents accidents by distraction and is shown through the restriction placed on young drivers to not have more than one friend in the car until they are 18. Although this rule may sound silly or inconvenient, limiting your distractions–such as friends–keeps you focused on the task at hand, making sure that you use your knowledge to stay a safe driver. Also, by staying focused, you can prevent speeding by being aware of limits and how fast you are going. Lastly, refrain from driving when it is not safe for you to do so. Whether this is being too tired or being under the influence, stay away from driving. It is always better to get a ride from someone else or stay where you are instead of partaking in unsafe driving which may result in the life of you or someone else. Keeping all of these practices in mind before or while driving could prevent accidents and unnecessary harm.

Only a few months ago, I found myself in a car accident when another driver, most likely distracted, crashed into the passenger side of my vehicle. Luckily, the damage was not extensive on the car, but the accident–which occurred in a very busy part of the road–could have had a much worse outcome, either by my car being pushed into another car or the loss of my passenger, a very good friend of mine. If the other driver at the time had limited their distractions, the crash and its negative resulting effects could’ve been avoided. Further, I have been in the car a few times with unsafe drivers and have learned that it is my responsibility, as an educated driver, to speak up and ensure the safety of myself and others. Even if it is uncomfortable, I know that it is better to ask a friend to pull over (and maybe drive instead) if it means we are not endangering ourselves or others on the street. For example, when I discovered a friend of mine was not focusing while driving, I asked her if I could drive in her place and then got us to our destination safely, without any problem.

On that note, I believe that I can help others be a safe driver by making sure that they have exemplary driving practices, such as by speaking up when I am with them when I notice something that could be dangerous. Personally, I believe that I need to improve on staying alert while driving, as I find myself losing focus or feeling tired sometimes while behind the wheel. In those moments, I know that it is okay to pull over and refocus or call for help if it is no longer safe for me to drive, and that is something that I want to work on implementing more.

Overall, being a safe, educated driver does not just benefit you. It also benefits others around you and helps make the driving environment more aware and informed. Don’t be afraid to speak up against unsafe driving and make sure to adhere to positive practices in your own driving. No life is worth the dangerous actions of a driver.