When people think about driving responsibly, they often associate it with drinking responsibly. Maybe it's because the two terms sound so similar. Maybe it's because drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of death in traffic accidents. While the two certainly are connected, there is more to driving responsibly than saying no to a drink.
What it means to drive responsibly
Driving responsibly is driving while looking out for both your safety and the safety of others. Living in a society so consumed with multi-tasking makes this challenging, especially since many people consider themselves driving experts when, in reality, they are not.
Think about it: NASCAR drivers are driving experts. Could you drive in a NASCAR race without seriously risking an accident?
It takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in something—10,000 active hours. While some drivers who have been driving for ten-plus years have met the 10,000 hour quota, most of their time behind the wheel was not active. Becoming an expert in anything requires your active attention, so listening to music, driving while you're half asleep, or arguing with your family in the car doesn't count. So, if you aren't a true "expert" in driving, you are obligated to pay extra attention to the road when you get behind the wheel.
It's your responsibility.
How to be a responsible driver
Becoming a responsible driver is not difficult. It just takes practice, patience, and accountability. Here are some ways you can become a more responsible driver that don't have to do with drinking:
- Put the phone down. It doesn't matter who is calling or texting, what song is playing, or what app needs to be updated. Distracted driving is the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents, a statistic that cannot be taken lightly. Whatever your phone needs while you're behind the wheel, it can wait.
- Plan your route. One could argue that the most underrated invention of the twenty-first century is GPS. Still, putting that amount of faith in technology is often ill-advised, especially when you are operating a vehicle traveling at speeds no human can run. Making yourself at least generally aware of where you are going before you set out on an adventure is smart because it allows you to focus on the road instead of directions while you are driving.
- Be aware of your speed. Look, are you always going to travel at or below the speed limit? Probably not. But there is a difference between traveling five miles-per-hour above the speed limit and reckless driving. When you exceed the posted limit by an excessive amount, you not only put yourself at risk but others, as well. As a driver, you must be ready to react to the unexpected, and that is difficult to do when you travel faster. Slow down, breath, and follow the posted speed limits on your road. They are there for a reason.
- Take in your surroundings. Things like the weather, general traffic, animals, and road work all play a role in your ability to be a responsible driver. To be the best, most responsible driver you can be, you need to continually scan the road for dangerous conditions. Taking in these conditions is crucial if you want to put yourself in the safest position possible.
Sinclair Broadcast Group is committed to keeping our viewers accident-free, which is why we initiated the Drive Safe campaign. Steer clear of danger with our monthly tips.
