Safety First

Drivers Education instills the “rules of the road”. When I took Driver Education in person they really went over what all of the signs meant, the importance of safety, and all of the other rules that should be followed. Practicing driving with an instructor and other kids in the back seat is nerve wracking but they truly ensure you are getting the proper practice in, whereas some adults could just sign off and not ensure the rules are followed. P

Some phone apps have settings that sense when the device is moving quickly that it is in a car and one can click a button to choose that they are a passenger and continue using the app. The texting, messenger, social media apps etc. should all have that so they cannot be utilized if driving. Even if someone does click the passenger link but is still driving, there could be an extra fine if that found out to be what happened as it was not truthful and then was intentional inattentive driving. In my state, reckless driving and even DUIs can happen numerous times before someone ACTUALLTY has to be dealt a significant punishment. My friend got hit by a drunk driver and nearly died, had significant surgeries and could not walk for a long time. She had to go through a lot of therapy and pain to eventually get back to functioning normally. The driver was taken by the police, but his mother bailed him out shortly after. She then left him at home where he found keys to another vehicle and went driving again. He got pulled over AGAIN for drunk driving. He should not have been released until sober at least, and if he would have gotten in another accident should she possibly be held accountable as well? Her inaction to monitor him until sober could have cost someone else their life. Yes, he was an adult and made his own decisions so clearly he is the primary offender, but if someone bails out a drunk driver, they should also be agreeing to ensure nobody gets hurt while on their watch until that person is sober. So, the penalties for driving incidents should have more severe consequences for the more reckless cases. They also could have someone re-take Driver Education if they have too many incidents stacked up before they can get their license back to ensure they are aware of safe driving. I can only imagine as an adult that it would be a bit embarrassing to have to take a class that is usually offered to teenagers because I proved I was not responsible enough to drive. It would hopefully ensure that the one time class was enough.

I have been in multiple car accidents and most of the time it was due to inattentiveness. Someone ran through a stop sign and T-boned me. Years ago, someone else was driving my car and pulled into a spot just as someone was opening their car door. I have accidentally rear ended someone because I thought they turned right when they had time, so I was inching up checking traffic not realizing they had stopped and never fully turned. Someone I know had ran a stop sign and got T-boned by another car that was speeding into the intersection. He admitted he was at fault for running the stop sign as he was tired and trying to open a soda on their way to work. Something so simple but can take the attention away from the road in an instant. It can be that quick to cause an accident and get someone hurt.

It should be more simple than it has been over the years with technology. Put the phones down, do not eat, set yourself up to have as minimal distractions as possible. If you are running late, send a message or call as you are walking to your car to notify whoever needs to know. Give your kids a snack before you get into the car. You, yourself, should eat something quick walking out to the car so you aren’t eating while driving or pack something that you can just eat quick when getting to your destination. Lead by example so your loved ones know how important their safety is to you. Road rage is unnecessary. Wear your seatbelt and drive the speed limit. You will not get there any sooner if you get in an accident and/or die.

I am happy to say that my driving decisions have greatly improved since becoming a parent. Both my husband and I are much more attentive. We practice defensive driving because there are too many reckless drivers out there and we do not want anything to happen to our child. If we go out with friends, one of us drinks and the other stays sober to drive. We do not speed, and we plan ahead with any upcoming lane changes to avoid having to cut through traffic suddenly. If we are on a long trip, we team up and take turns at the wheel vs navigation and tending to our child. We have become a much safer drivers since our family grew. I hope others can find reasons to motivate them want to practice better driving habits and create safer roads.