Put an end to Distracted Driving

Unfortunately, I’ve had my fair share of close calls and nerve-inducing moments on the road due to distracted driving, either on my end or caused by another driver. One instance in particular that stands out would be last summer when I was driving on a busy highway. While driving, I heard my phone continuously beep with a notification. Without thinking, I reached for it to check the message. This action took merely a few seconds, but in that time, the car in front of me suddenly slammed on its brakes, and I barely had enough time to react. It was a close call and I nearly ended up rear-ending the car, which could have led to significant damage to both vehicles. Luckily, I was able to react quickly by pressing the brakes, and no one was hurt, but the experience was a wake-up call for me. I realized that checking my phone while driving was not worth the risk of putting my life or someone else’s life on the line.

My experiences with distracted driving have made me much more aware of the potential dangers on the road. I know that even a second of being distracted can lead to serious consequences. As a result, of my experience and having bore witness to others’ experiences as well, I have made several changes to my driving habits. Firstly, I make a conscious effort to put my phone out of reach while driving, either in the glove compartment, my bag, or in the backseat. This way, I’m not tempted to check it if I hear a notification. Secondly, I use a feature on my phone called “driving mode” that identifies when the car is in motion and silences incoming calls and messages while driving. This ensures that I’m not distracted by any notifications while driving. Lastly, I’ve changed my overall mindset toward driving. I remind myself that driving is a great responsibility and I need to focus solely on the road, my surroundings, and getting to my destination safely.

I have made the conscious step to begin having conversations about safe driving etiquette with my friends, family members, and other people I may know who drive. I encourage them to make the commitment to putting an end to their own distracting habits while driving. Whether that be putting their phone out of reach, eating, listening to loud music, applying makeup, or even talking to passengers while driving. I plan on recommending the use of supports already at their disposal to reduce distractions while driving, such as the “Driving Mode” or “Do Not Disturb” feature found on most smartphones to silence incoming calls and messages, thus reducing the temptation to check notifications. I will continue reminding everyone I know who drives that nothing on their phone is more important than their safety, their life, and the safety of others on the road. By taking these steps and incorporating change, we can make a positive impact on our own driving habits and contribute to a safer driving culture.

One of the most effective ways to raise awareness among the public about the dangers of distracted driving is through proper education. By providing information on the dangers and risks of distracted driving, we can target young drivers and have them understand the importance of avoiding distractions while driving. This can be done through campaigns, workshops, and even school programs that teach young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Peer-to-peer programs where young drivers can support and educate each other on the dangers of distracted driving serve as another great resource. These programs could be developed and led by young drivers who have personal experience with the dangers of distracted driving. By using relatable experiences and peer-to-peer support, these programs could help young drivers hear first-hand real stories and gain a better understanding of the importance of avoiding distractions while driving.

Another great way to promote safe driving practices in our communities is through local media and social media outlets. Social media platforms have gained an increasingly large amount of attention with many young users. By partnering with local news stations, radio stations, and newspapers as well as social media platforms, we can promote safe driving practices and raise awareness of the true dangers that come when someone becomes distracted while driving.

There is no denying that distracted driving is a serious issue that affects countless lives, whether you’re behind the wheel, a passenger, or a pedestrian. As someone who has experienced close calls due to distracted driving, I know how important it is to raise awareness of the dangers and risks of this behavior. By educating young drivers and promoting community involvement we can work together to prevent distracted driving and make our roads safer for everyone.