Importance of Safe Driving

Driving for me has always been a great experience. I have so many memories of just going on rides to the beach, store, and many other places along with my family on a nice Sunday. Driving doesn’t have to be a scary experience as long as people can follow the rules of the road and be aware and considerate of others.

Recently I have had my first scary experience while driving. Last month, I was heading home from school to pick up my younger brother. It was rush hour and I was stuck in traffic, as traffic started to move, I had to brake because the car in front of me stopped, and I was rear-ended by another driver. This was my first experience in a car accident by myself considering I only received my car a year ago. I was shaken, and the other driver stated that he wasn’t paying attention and was trying to get into a different lane. I am so thankful that the damage to my car was not too severe, and I was not hurt, but unfortunately, this is not the case for many drivers.

As of 2021, there have been about 3,738 driving-related deaths in Florida. To prevent the rise of driving-related deaths, educating drivers on the rules and as well as the dangers of the road is important. I think some steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths when driving is upgrading safety features on cars, quarterly written driving test, and required visual and audio testing. Upgrading safety features in cars is a big way to help prevent the death of drivers. For example, feature like lane assistance, warning lights when cars are close, and the ability to better view blind spots are all great safety feature that all cars should have. Quarterly written driving tests I feel are a great way to refresh drivers’ minds on the rule of the road. Lastly, required visual and audio tests are important, because being able to use all your senses while driving is a useful factor in driving safely.

Taking driver’s ed classes are a great resource that allows first-time driver to learn the fundamentals of the road. It provides a lot of knowledge on the importance of safe driving and allows drivers to know how to handle different situations they may encounter while on the road. There are many steps that we can take to ensure that everyone is safe on the road. First, I feel that drivers should know the dangers of the road to become more vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Educating drivers on the dangers of the road and the danger of impaired driving allows the driver to know what to look for and know how to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. Another step that could be taken is eliminating all distractions, for example, phones, food, and other distracting components. I recommend that every driver should put their phones in their purse or bag and if you enjoy listening to music while driving, like me, curate your playlist before venturing on your journey. They are also safety options on phones that allow you to put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” to prevent distracting ringing or notification noises. I know some people like to go on drives to pick up food or are in a rush and need to eat in their car. I think it would be best if you eat before or after the car ride to prevent the distraction of looking down to take a bite. Having a passenger in the car can also be very distracting, so you must explain to your passenger that you need to focus on the road for everyone’s safety. Lastly, I think a step that all drivers can take to ensure maximum safety is to make sure that they read the class E driver Handbook. It is a great and necessary resource when a driver needs knowledge of the rule of the road. Not only should you read it but encourage other drivers that you know to read it as well and help them understand.

Driving is not only a one-person job it involves everyone around you, so everyone must be educated on safe driving habits. I feel that not only should people who drive know the rule of the road, but pedestrians as well understand how to identify unsafe drivers. Driving is an essential and common factor of life; it can also be an amazing experience for a young driver who is getting their newly found freedom. Driving is an amazing privilege to have but it’s important to remember that driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility.