Driving With Presence and Intention in a Distracted World

Driver education is the foundation on which safe and responsible driving is built. That is why it is an important tool that is meant to equip all drivers with the skills and techniques they need in order to maintain cooperation on the road. The rules of the road are also set in place for a reason. These outline directions, not suggestions, that allow every individual to be transported safely and effectively. Driver education teaches us not only how to drive, but how to be prepared for conflict and obstacles that arrive which are inevitable. For example, the best drivers are defensive drivers, meaning they expect other drivers to make a mistake, and when they do, they are prepared to react. Personally, this technique has saved me from numerous possible accidents all because I drove defensively. Believe it or not, in this instance, assuming the worst in others could actually save your life!

The first step we can take to reduce the number of deaths that occur as a result of irresponsible driving, is having more awareness. This means paying attention to other drivers and their behavior, pedestrians, traffic signals, speed limits, signs, road conditions, personal conditions, etc. It also means without distraction. The primary detractor of awareness is distraction. In today’s world there are many things that can distract you from the road but when this happens, it is important to remember that the reason we focus is to save lives. This means no texting and driving, eating while driving, applying makeup while driving, staring at something out the window instead of in front of you, talking on the phone with a friend, etc. Another important, yet overlooked way that we can reduce the number of deaths from irresponsible driving is having safe facilities in your car that prevent injuries from accidents. The biggest one of these is the seatbelt. We are very familiar with the statement that “seatbelts save lives” however, many do not take it seriously. This statement is very true and you will never regret wearing a seatbelt but you definitely would regret not wearing one. This simple security measure takes less than 10 seconds but could add over 10 more years to your life. Another example is to make sure your car is safe to drive, meaning its engine is working how it should, the doors can be open, closed, and locked correctly, the brakes work, headlights work, etc. These facilities help us communicate with others on the road as well as protect the passengers inside the vehicle.

I am very grateful to have never been in an accident firsthand, however, I do know two individuals who had to pay the price of foolish driving. One of them I knew personally because he was in my math class. A junior boy and sophomore girl skipped class and left on a motorbike. As they were driving fast down a busy road, a car trying to cross the road to the other side had an obstructed view. Instead of pulling out to double check that everything was clear and safe, this car decided to go anyway, striking the bike. The boy died almost instantly while the girl died a few days later. The driver was also severely injured but thankfully survived. Entire lives were ended just because of a moment of laziness. This brings me to my next point of avoiding being in a rush. Many accidents are caused because someone wasn’t taking their time. When we are rushed, we become reckless and unsafe. It’s better to be late to something because you took your time than to never arrive at all.

I can become a better and safer driver while implementing this attitude unto others by taking care, purpose, and time into my actions while on the road. This means not putting myself first and remembering I am sharing the road. I will take my time when driving and not speed or put others/myself in danger to get to my destination quicker. I will be kind to other drivers when they make a mistake so as to not cause unwanted conflict or rage which can lead to bad accidents. I will ensure all of my passengers, including myself, are wearing a seatbelt and I will keep my eyes and attention on the road ahead of me. I will not get into a vehicle with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If I am in a vehicle where the driver or passengers are not practicing safe driving I will explain to them why it is important and how to change their actions for the better.