Driving is really hard. Like, really hard. You have to take several exams, drive for a certain amount of hours, and learn all of the rules of the road just to get your driver’s license — get ready eighth graders, you’ll be in this position very, very soon. However, after all of this training, many people still aren’t safe on the roads, risking their lives and the lives of many others.

It is the small things that add up. Drivers are on their phones, trying to eat a meal, not keeping their hands on the wheel, fiddling with navigational devices, or simply not checking their mirrors enough. These small distractions pose the risk of getting others hurt, but they can also harm themselves. I know that road safety is a clichéd topic, but it’s just as important as taking a detour instead of driving straight through a construction site.

One of the biggest focuses of organizations in the U.S. is drunk driving. It’s one of the most preventable causes of death according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. They also state that in 2019, over 10,000 people lost their lives due to drunk driving. That’s 28 people a day. It’s also one person every 52 minutes. 

There are many other infractions other than drunk driving that people commit every day that are also illegal: texting while driving, speeding, turning without a signal, cutting others off and having headlights off at night are all examples of negligent driving. Despite the severity of these actions, no one seems to recognize their perilous consequences.

As a driver, you need to remember you are operating a machine that you had to get a license to use. It is a privilege to drive, not a right. You are literally driving a two ton vehicle around at high speeds. Think about that. And by being safe, I don’t mean checking your rearview mirror every three seconds — though it might not hurt — I mean being aware of your surroundings and following all of the signs on the roads, along with being in the right state of mind. Be aware that not everyone knows how to use a roundabout. We live in a college town and there will be pedestrians you need to look out for. And remember, there are speed limits for a reason.

It’s also essential to not get influenced by the unsafe drivers in your life. It’s not worth it to text and drive. Put your phone on “driving focus” and those who are trying to get a hold of you will get an automatic message that you are driving. How cool is that!  No text message is worth getting into an accident for.

Of course, most of the readers on The Cougar Star are in middle school, so even though the sixth and seventh graders won’t be driving for some time. But it also wouldn’t hurt to send this article to an older sibling, an older friend or even your parents. Having better roads requires participation on all parts; even one person driving recklessly can ruin the lives of so many. I plead you to not be that person. Speak up if you see someone flirting with breaking the rules and remind them you are learning from them the habits you will use when you start driving.