Name: Avi Mahal
From: Shrewsbury, MA
Votes: 0
“Drive
to See Another Day”
Although
the prospect of driving can be exciting for many teenagers, it also
poses a major risk that has taken lives all across the globe. It is
true that drivers of all ages and experience levels have gotten into
accidents, but the sobering reality is that a large percentage of car
accidents happen with new drivers (more specifically, with
teenagers). I think that the first step that needs to be taken is
mandatory classroom education for young drivers before they are
issued a license. Within fundamental education, young drivers can
learn about the dangers that surround driving along with the
potential ways to avoid dangerous incidents. Therefore instilling the
concepts of road safety is a very crucial step towards promoting
constant vigilance among emerging drivers.
As
learned in the classroom, distracted driving is statistically the
number one cause of road accidents. Whether it be texting, talking on
the phone, listening to music, or simply chatting with friends, not
paying enough attention to the road can be very dangerous. With a
variety of sounds and visual cues that drivers need to pay attention
to, distracted driving prevents people from giving their full,
undivided attention to the road. There are many ways to avoid these
distractions. Using a blue-tooth device for communication is one
exceptional solution. Though individuals are still distracted to an
extent, the hands free method makes it much easier for drivers to
maintain control over their vehicle, which can help reduce fatal
accidents. Another step that will reduce fatalities is enforcing
strict traffic laws that would impose monetary fines and temporary
suspension of license for drivers who text and talk while driving.
Distracted
driving, however, is only one cause. Although texting and drinking
while driving are perhaps the most notable killers, there are other,
subtler factors that can be just as deadly. Sleep deprived driving is
one of them. Many people have reported falling asleep at the wheel,
and in context, this is just as bad as DUI. I believe that necessity
often forces people drive in undesirable situations, such as
commuting to school in the morning or driving home after a long day
of work. Simple steps, such as a sip of coffee, or a hot shower, are
great ways to prevent accidental drowsiness, and can help keep people
alert. Ultimately, the best way to prevent fatal accidents is to make
sure that people give their complete attention to driving, and that
they know the road rules very well. All of this begins with proper
education on the subject matter.
Although
I have never been in or known anybody who has been in an accident, I
can follow these steps to make the roads a safer place. Since I am a
new driver, it is particularly crucial that I pay attention to the
road and be a responsible driver. By avoiding technological
distractions and respecting road laws, I can assure safety for not
only myself, but for other drivers as well.
