Safety Saves

Wherever
one may live, knowing the rules of the road, and the saftey that
emcompasses them is vital to a safe motor environment. Learning to
drive and being on the road is a privilege; it is a want not a need.
It is important for all who may operate a vehicle to have driver
education because knowing the rules of the road decreases car
accidents and fatalities. In Michigan, a student needs 50 hours of
supervised driving, prior to getting their license. Additionally, a
driver begins driver’s training at 14 and nine months. Because the
legal age to obtain a license here is 16, beginning driver’s
training at such a young age gives new drivers an immense amount of
time to practice and perfect their skills before they venture out on
the roads alone. Because of the copious amount of hours as well as
driving supervised for over a year, there is a significant amount of
time to become educated, skilled, and defensive which in the end
prepares better drivers and hopefully reduces accidents,
injuries,and death.

I feel all states should
implement Michigan’s guidelines. I also believe the maximum number
of points one is able to get off on their legal driving test should
decrease. There should not be room for more than a slight error of a
couple points. Driving a car is more than just a free for all; it
could be the matter of life or death for oneself, a loved one, and
someone near and dear to another’s heart.

Many
accidents involve new drivers, however new drivers are not the only
problem. I think states should also require retesting every other
time a license renewal occurs. With this new rule, each driver would
be tested and re-educated on the rules of the road in effect to keep
safety a top priority.

Distracted driving is a major
issue among all age ranges, therefore, it should be a law in all
states to have a no phone policy while driving. Additionally, I
think one teenager passenger in the car helps reduce distractions. I
have unfortunately been in a car accident, so I know and can
completely relate to the trauma that surrounds them. Though there
were no injuries involved, I do believe the 40 year old gentleman who
hit me was distracted.

I
feel I am an extremely safe driver and keep my phone in my glove
compartment when I get behind the wheel. I also have the auto message
response on my texts that lets people know I will respond when I am
done driving.This set an example to my peers when they are in my car.
I also discuss driving safer with my parents, aunts, uncles, and
grandparents.

The
road should be a place where when one travels from destination to
destination, where they will be seen again. It should not be a scary,
unsafe battle field where one must fight for their life due to a
careless, distracted driver operating a deadly weapon.