Think First

Think
First

Driving
can be incredibly fun and relaxing when done right and with safety in
mind. Drivers ed is extremely important in reducing the number
of deaths because it allows drivers to better understand what it will
be like before they actually get on the road. Taking driving classes
in school and even outside of school can help kids to understand how
serious driving is. I know that personally, taking drivers ed
through my school helped me to realize all that went into driving,
and it even helped me see how dangerous not being prepared or paying
attention could be. I think in this day and age the biggest step to
reducing deaths caused by driving is thinking first. Often people are
incredibly distracted when they drive and typically it is due to our
cell phones. With our present obsession with technology and staying
connected via our cell phones it is often the case that people do not
put their phone down even for driving. There is never an okay time to
have your attention on your phone rather than the road ahead of you.
Not only are phones a problem, but driving under the influence of
drugs or alcohol, or driving tired can also put you and the lives
around you at risk.

My
mother was actually a trauma nurse for many years, so I have always
been raised to understand the deep importance of being safe while on
the road. She has always instilled in me the idea that when you are
driving that is all that you should be focused on. She also always
stressed the idea that being a proactive rather than reactive driver
was of the greatest importance and could be the difference between
life and death. My mom has been able to share horrific stories of
people that have come into the hospital with injuries that seemed
almost impossible. Sharing them with me so that I understood what
could happen if I got behind the wheel without thinking about what I
was doing.

To
be a better driver I think that the first step is to think, just to
simply think about what you are doing before you get the car. Think
about the consequences that come with the choices you are about to
make. Think about all of the people you love and want to see another
day. Make sure you put your phone away, in a place where it will not
attract your attention. Make sure you are in the right state of mind
to drive and will not be distracted or impaired in anyway. Make sure
that everyone in the car with you is safe, their lives are your
responsibility as well.