Why We Drive Safely

Why
We Drive Safely

I
have been driving for two years now and safe driving is still very
important to me. Sadly, accidents are unavoidable events that happen
as a result of the modern form of transportation. However, I believe
the large occurrences of accidents that take place today are a result
of careless driving. Whether a driver realizes it or not once they
start the car and pull out onto the road, they are responsible for
not only their own life but also the lives of everybody on the road
around them. The worrisome thing about the driving community is the
lack of seriousness modern drivers take while behind the wheel. I
frequently see people talking on their phones, women putting on
makeup, and men eating while driving. Although some may laugh at the
interesting things they see while driving, I find it terrifying.
People that do not show caution while driving show a lack of
consideration for others’ wellbeing.

Driver
education is extremely influential in promoting safety and awareness
among the masses. If people know how to drive safely they are more
likely to be safe. But just as, if not more important than knowing
how, is knowing why. I believe many people see cars as objects that
can be broken and fixed rather than lives that can be destroyed.
Drivers must understand the magnitude of unsafe driving. Dozing off,
texting, etc. behind the wheel could lead to the loss of a life
whether it is yours or someone else’s. Driving safely shows a care
and respect for other people, their lives, and their loved ones.

Safe
driving is very important to me. I am first, and foremost, a
Christian and I believe that the Lord calls us to obey the laws of
our government (provided that it doesn’t go against His commands)
and a large part of that is speeding. By following the laws of the
road, I am not only obeying the authority that has been placed over
me but I am also loving and respecting those around me. A large part
of safe driving is being aware, as a result, I strive to drive
attentively at all times. My peers tend to find a lack of seriousness
when it comes to driving. I make a large point to discourage their
unsafe habits and refuse to take part in dangerous activity. Some of
my fellow teenagers find the responsibility of driving nonexistent
and the allure of texting of the utmost importance. I have found that
many people know how to drive safely and yet they find no need to
because of the complacency they feel behind the wheel.

People
become extremely comfortable when driving… maybe a little too
comfortable. “Highway Hypnosis” was first described in 1921 and
many people find no need to be concerned with this trance-like state
that many drivers assume. A large factor contributing to the amount
of deaths related to driving is how complacent people become behind
the wheel. What many drivers don’t realize is that the second a
person heads out onto the road they can influence the future of
anyone around them. Zoning out for a bit may lead to hitting a person
and ruining their life.

I
have been blessed with a family of safe drivers. No one in my family
has crashed while driving. However, my uncle tends to drive extremely
precariously. Unfortunately, he finds prompt arrival and the
energizing thrill of speeding more important than the well being of
others. My family member is a wonderful person and so I believe that
this recklessness is a result of two things: first, the surreal state
that the driver experiences while on the road, and secondly, seeing
driving as more of a game rather than a dangerous activity that must
be done carefully.

I
have done a bit of research on the effectiveness of advertisements in
both promotional and discouraging smoking campaigns. When advertising
was used to promote cigarettes, companies saw a large increase in
sales and when advertising was used in non-smoking campaigns tobacco
companies found that many people quit or were at least inspired
to quit smoking. In the same way, advertisements could be used to
promote safe driving. By appealing to the audience’s sympathy and
fear, commercials can be influential in bringing an end to reckless
driving. I believe that commercials that effectively convince the
driver of the importance of safe driving could be extremely
influential in changing the mindset of American drivers.