Safe Driving Initiative

Driving is a responsibility that should be taken with extreme seriousness. Sadly, it is a privilege that is taken for granted by a lot of people. We throw a lot of statistics out, run radio/television ads and report accidents on the news but unfortunately driving related deaths/injuries still occur at an alarming rate.

Driving has an important place in society and American culture. A lot of us, depending on where we live, may not have easy access to public transportation and therefore we rely on our licenses and vehicles to get to and from where we need to go. Fortunately, we have a system in place that requires education and hours on the road needed to become a licensed driver. However, the scary reality is that despite this system many still operate vehicles irresponsibly. What is frustrating as a driver is the lack of empathy displayed by reckless drivers, as if they do not see the person behind the wheel, they just see another car made of steel and glass. They do not see an individual with family and friends, someone trying to get to work, someone with children in the car. Personally, this is something I always try to keep in mind before I get behind the wheel.

I feel that ads and education need to tap into the emotional side of drivers. Make people connect with others more. We get so caught up in our own minds that we forget we are all the same. If people viewed other drivers as parents, brothers, friends, co-workers, etc. possibly there would be more mindfulness when it comes to how one operates their vehicle. Often times, this messaging is more effective when you see how your own behavior affects others, not just yourself. There needs to be more emphasis on how to operate vehicles properly, the same way one is educated on how to use a power tool, that these things alone are not inherently dangerous but that operative knowledge/skill is required to use it safely and correctly. This goes hand-in-hand with defensive driving skills. Teaching drivers about the importance of “expecting the unexpected,” meaning how to properly maintain distance from other vehicles and awareness of the weather and how it affects driving conditions. This also includes emphasis on proper usage of your mirrors and the new safety features that are included in newer vehicles that aid in safer driving. As always, there can never be enough emphasis placed on education against distracted driving. I feel in regards to distracted driving, the best method is targeting the individual, educating that we all have a responsibility to others to provide our highest level of attention when operating a vehicle.

I was very lucky to have been raised by parents that instilled into me the importance of safe driving. My parents really made me feel the value of obtaining my license as a sixteen-year-old. It allowed me to have memories that I will cherish forever: getting my first job, taking my HS girlfriend to prom, driving my younger siblings to/from school. My father was never one to look at vehicles as shiny toys but as tools that help us live a better life. In that sense, he helped me realize the responsibility that I have to myself others. That I could use it to benefit myself and society or abuse it and cause pain and suffering to others.

As a Registered Pediatric Nurse who works on a trauma floor, sadly I see the results of reckless driving quite frequently. It is really eye opening to see how lives are changed in a matter of seconds from poor decisions. The physical and emotional toll it takes on families has always stayed with me. What affects me the most is the randomness of it all, I think about it every time a loved one is on the road. I often get anxiety when my wife leaves for work and I never take for granted the call or text she gives me when she arrives somewhere safely. Seeing the aftermath of reckless driving has made me focus on my own actions more and gain a deeper appreciation of life and all the time I have with my family/friends.

I read a book a recently about the Danish concept of the Hygge lifestyle. A huge point I took from it, was the importance of slowing down and gaining awareness and appreciation of your surroundings. I quickly transitioned that technique into driving, focusing on my speed, being mindful of other cars on the road and pedestrians. Looking out for traffic signs or slow down alerts. Practicing mindfulness on the road has helped me gain a better appreciation for my community. I turn on a do not disturb function on my phone that notifies people trying to call me that I am currently driving and unable to respond to call/texts. I feel that if we can continue to benefit from these technological advances that we have that allow us to mitigate instances of distracted driving we will see a decrease in accidents related to it.