Category: Driving

There are some skills that people may think are not important until they have a problem in their life. Imagine you are driving in the middle of a motorway and you have a flight to catch, but suddenly your tire goes flat and you realize you are in a difficult position because you do not have any idea how to change a tire. You have to phone call and wait for help, but, in the meantime, you miss your flight. Knowing how to change a tire may not sound very important, but it is an ability that can help you a lot if your tire punctures, especially in a remote area where no help can be received immediately. That is why in my essay I want to focus my attention on this topic.

Before starting to change a tire, make sure to take some necessary precautions. The first thing which should be done when there is a flat tire while driving down the road is to find a suitable spot to stop the car. It is important to choose a flat area away from traffic, completely off the road. If it is possible, it is better to take the park into a car park. Driving with a flat tire can ruin the rim, but the car needs to be out of danger from other vehicles. Choose a suitable place that has level ground. Failure to roll the wheels will not damage the vehicle. If the car has an automatic transmission, put it in the park, or if it has a manual transmission, it should be in the opposite direction. Turn off the engine. Apply the hand brake. If possible, place a heavy object in the front and back tires in case the car starts to roll. Turn on the hazard lights to let other cars know the car with a punctured tire is there. Start setting the road flares, especially if it is dark, to make the car more visible in order to prevent an accident. Another important point before changing a tire is to check whether there is all equipment, which includes a spare tire (inflated properly), a lug nut wrench with a socket on one end and a pry bar on the other, and a jack.

Now that the area is checked, all necessary precautions are taken and the spare tire and tools required for changing the tire are ready, the tire can be changed. In order to remove the flat tire, the car must be lifted up with the help of a jack. For this, the jack is placed in the metal section under the car close to the flat tire. Then the car is raised a little bit. Make sure the tire is still touching the ground. Then loosen the nuts with a lug wrench. Continue to pump the jack-up until the tire is off the ground. Loosen up the nuts completely. Before twisting the nuts completely with your hand, use the lug nut wrench to start loosening the nuts up, as it takes a lot of power. Once all the wheel nuts have been removed, the tire should also be easily removed. If the tire is difficult to remove by hand, hit the tire to loosen it, and lift it slightly to remove it. If the car is not high enough, the tire may not come off. If this happens, lift the car a bit more.

When the flat tire is removed, the spare tire is replaced. Alignment of the rim of the spare tire with the wheel bolts is necessary for correct tire positioning. After the lug nuts are put on, tighten them by hand as much as possible until snug. Then tighten them well by using the lug wrench. After that, put the car down. When the car lands on the ground, tighten the nuts more with the jack so that they are as tight as possible. Then put all equipment and the flat tire into the car trunk.

Changing a tire is not the hardest job, but it can be difficult for people who have never experienced it. It is a useful skill to learn if there is a flat tire on the roadside and nobody around is helping. Almost every car trunk has spare tires and tools in case there is a need for changing a flat tire. When changing a tire, the most important issue is safety, and applying the steps correctly will make this process easier and quicker.

One’s ability to drive a car plays a significant role in carrying out essential day-to-day tasks, be it picking up groceries, taking and picking up kids from school, and, most importantly, reporting for work. However, driver’s licenses are unobtainable by undocumented immigrants in most of the states here in the United States. In turn, most undocumented immigrants who have settled in the U.S. often face a difficult choice, one that lies between meeting their daily obligations or living in constant fear of being apprehended by law enforcement for driving in the absence of a driver’s license. A driver’s license not only plays a vital role in maintaining road safety but also serves as a valid identity document, one that may be used to acquire a wide range of essential benefits and services. When undocumented immigrants are licensed, this leads to safer roads, strengthens families, and substantially benefits the economy.

The availability of driver’s licenses to undocumented workers and residents is considered by many as a public safety issue. Regardless of their nationality, well-trained, insured, and tested drivers are more likely to make better drivers. Such individuals are less likely to get into accidents or get involved in hit-and-run scenarios. Additionally, a driver’s license in its unique sense does not indicate nor confer an individual’s lawful status in the U.S., so when licenses are offered to undocumented immigrants does not affect the laws of federal immigration. However, even for states willing to offer licenses to undocumented immigrants, there are limits on the types of licenses that they can offer.

For states wishing to provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, they are obliged to adhere to the federal REAL ID Act terms, as enacted by Congress in 2005. According to the act, if state’s driver’s licenses are taken up for federal reasons such as boarding a commercial plane, the rules have to fulfill certain obligations such as the verification of the applicant’s lawful immigration status or citizenship, issuing a temporary limitation on the U.S. non-citizens licenses for a particular legal stay, and labeling nonconforming licenses such that they can be recognized as unacceptable for federal practices. Other necessary features include a signature, digital photo, machine-readable technology, and security features.

According to Grinspan, a writer for the Miami Herald, granting driver’s licenses to all state residents not only results in a substantial boost to state revenue but also improves and enhances public safety by curtailing hit-and-runs and accidents. According to the Florida Policy Institute (FPI) CEO, Sadaf Knight, when access to driver’s licenses was made available to all Floridians, this generated a new stream of revenue that made sense for the state, more so in the wake of the Sunshine States drawing towards revenue fall. The adoption of an inclusive policy serves many advantages, including making our roads safer and providing undocumented immigrants the chance to support their loved ones better while at the same time contributing to the local and state economy (King et al., 60).

To effectively illustrate the essence of issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants who are undocumented, the case of Florida sets a perfect example. According to a report issued by Florida Policy Institute in 2019, the adoption of the policy seeking to issue driver’s licenses to all of Florida has the potential to generate close to $68.6 million in state revenue in a span of three years, a figure arrived at from the taxes and fees emanating from the purchase of vehicles and payment of license fees. According to the FPI, it is projected that more than half of the 685,000 undocumented immigrants who have attained driving age in Florida would pursue to obtain a driving license in the span of three years of the policy’s implementation. The FPI goes further to assert that when the new Florida driver’s license fee is paid by over 300,000 undocumented immigrants, this may generate close to $16 million for the state. The $52 million remaining would be made from various fees and taxes levied by the state once vehicles are purchased and registered. Additionally, leaning on other states’ experience in the expansion of license eligibility, it is expected that more than 85,000 cars will be purchased, titled, and registered in a span of three years after the implementation of the policy. Funds generated from the fees would, therefore, aid the Florida Transport Department and other related projects in infrastructural development.

The Florida case offers a perfect example of the economic aspect that is prone to be noticed in the implementation of a policy that seeks to issue licenses to all residents of a state. Additionally, another fiscal windfall not taken into consideration in the generated revenue from state taxes is the possibility that the undocumented immigrants’ access to driving licenses may help them secure higher-rewarding jobs, hence boosting the undocumented group’s contributions in state and local taxes annually. According to Alexis Davis, an analyst at FPI, research from other states that have implemented such policies suggests that if one owns a personal vehicle, one doesn’t have to rely on public transportation as much and maybe one can commute or travel a bit further for a better position of employment that pays more. Therefore, if one earns more, one spends more, which, in turn, feeds back into the state’s economy.

Another reason why states ought to strive towards issuing undocumented immigrants with driver’s licenses leans toward making the roads safer. Completion of the process to acquire a license means learning traffic signs and rules, submitting to a hearing and vision screen, and taking driving tests. According to research, unlicensed drivers that lack such testing and training are more dangerous compared to their counterparts who have undergone training, including those driving with licenses that are suspended. In states that allow undocumented immigrants to drive lawfully, reciprocity exists between road safety and license access, with fatal crashes, alcohol-involved crashes, and uninsured rates dropping significantly after the law changed. For instance, once undocumented immigrants close to one million in California were granted permission to access driver’s licenses, incidences of hit-and-run dropped by 10 percent. Research suggests that the adoption of the policy in California reduced fears of vehicle impoundment and deportation fears. Additionally, as reported by Connecticut in 2019, after the expansion of its license access, official data showed that in certain cities, hit-and-runs dropped significantly by 15 percent, which, in turn, led to millions of dollars being saved in various expenses. Additionally, a license policy that’s more inclusive has the potential to have a more significant percentage of drivers being insured.

Licenses also play a significant role in policing. According to Burrell, an analyst and writer for Connecticut, licenses help officers save time in the process of issuing regular citations. According to police officers in the capital city of Hartford, pulling someone over without any ID would at times take the officer off the road for close to three hours. Therefore, the Drive Only licenses prove essential to both the community and the police. This also boosts state revenue in many ways. While not all states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, as of 2018, 12 states, including Washington, California, Vermont, Colorado, Utah, Connecticut, Nevada, Delaware, New Mexico, Hawaii, Maryland, and Illinois, offer licenses to all its state residents. The basic guidelines to acquire such a license include that proof of nationality and identity is provided by the applicant in the form of a consular card and birth certificate, including verification of current state residency.

All states should seek to grant driver’s licenses to all state residents since it enhances public safety on roads in a diverse range of ways. As stated earlier, the extension of driving privileges to immigrants who are undocumented necessitates the applicants to take driving tests and effectively put on record with the applicable vehicle agencies. Drivers who are licensed have a clear understanding of traffic rules and regulations, hence less likely to break traffic laws. Additionally, licensed drivers stand higher chances of acquiring auto insurance, hence lowering the costs of accidents involving motorists who are uninsured and likely reducing everyone’s insurance rates. Additionally, since motorists can be easily identified and accurate traffic records are identified, law enforcement agencies can ensure public safety better. All factors considered, in the quest to issue driver’s licenses for all, it is ultimately vital to weigh in on the fact that it is five times more probable for unlicensed drivers to be involved in a fatal car accident.

Away from road public safety, when all residents are granted driver’s licenses, our communities are made safer. This is made possible as states are accorded the ability to maintain accurate records, which include addresses and names of all state inhabitants. Additionally, healthcare practitioners and providers, as well as first responders, can determine the patients’ and victims’ identities accurately. If jails and courts are less congested by cases emanating from driving in the absence of insurance or license, state resources could be used to cater to more essential concerns. In terms of strengthening families, permission to freely drive undocumented families are accorded the chance to fully participate in society in the absence of the constant fear of being arrested or stopped by law enforcement. Also, driver’s licenses may also serve as identification forms, which makes it possible for immigrant families to live in a society more noticeably and confidently with enhanced access to essential services such as medical care and financial institutions.

Despite the many advantages associated with the adoption of policies seeking to issue licenses for all, it is no doubt that such policies have gone under severe scrutiny. Some critics of such systems that encourage undocumented immigrants to acquire driver’s licenses assert that such policies support undocumented and illegal immigration. Additionally, other critics go further to claim that when undocumented immigrants are issued state licenses, this increases the probability of identification and voter fraud. According to an interview conducted by MiBiz’s sister publication in 2018, Michelle LaJoye-Young, Kent County Sheriff, stated that before 2008, obtaining license credentials led to many problems for local enforcement in identity confirmation. As a result, this created issues of identity theft, as an individual could create an identity for themselves with only a few pieces of paper. LaJoye-Young went further to state her discomfort with a policy seeking to issue licenses for all where a strong foundation on how a person is identified lacks. However, supporters of such policies play down the concerns, as it is possible for the issues to be addressed in legislation. According to advocates for immigration, the ability to acquire a driver’s license is less likely to make immigrants shift to other states.

Over the past years, the subject of whether undocumented immigrants should be issued driver’s licenses has been an important topic for debate. While some citizens and legislatures may be against the idea, citing potential cases of increased immigration rates, one cannot simply ignore the benefits that come along with the implementation of policies seeking to provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. The adoption of such systems across states not only boosts safety on our roads but also increases states’ revenue in multiple ways while at the same time strengthening community ties. In my opinion, denying people the chance to obtain driver’s licenses is not wrong, but also works in dissent to the great American virtues of love and respect for all humanity. Regardless of immigration status, we, as American and non-American citizens, ought to call for love and respect for every human being, while at the same time acknowledging their efforts and dignity to work so as to provide not only for themselves but also for their families.

Works Cited

1. Chris Burrell. “Licensed Undocumented Immigrants May Lead to Safer Roads, Connecticut Finds”. Morning Edition, 2019. Accessed on 24 November 2019 from https://www.npr.org/2019/05/24/719959760/licensed-undocumented-immigrants-may-lead-to-safer-roads-connecticut-finds
2. Jose Vargas. “Why Undocumented Immigrants Need Driver’s Licenses”. BuzzFeed, 2013. Accessed on 24 November 2019 from https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/joseiswriting/why-undocumented-immigrants-need-drivers-licenses
3. Mary C. King, Anabel López Salinas, John G. Corbett, Rafael Reyes Morales, Alicia Sylvia Gijón Cruz, and Kim M. Williams. ‘The Impact of U. S. State-Level Immigration Reform on Ilegal Mexican Migrants: The Loss of Access to Driver’s Licenses in Oregon’. Frontera Norte, 2014, 26: 55–84.
4. Tom Jacobs. “One Big Benefit of Issuing Drivers’ Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants”. Pacific Standard, 2019. Accessed on 24 November 2019 from https://psmag.com/news/one-big-benefit-of-issuing-drivers-licenses-to-undocumented-immigrants
5. Zach Williams. “How Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Would Work”. City & State, 2019. Accessed on 24 November 2019 from https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/policy/immigration/drivers-licenses-undocumented-immigrants.html

Imagine being perfectly happy and energetic, then moments later breaking down and leaving class after receiving the news that a person that means so much was in a car accident and you have no way of contacting them or even knowing whether they are alright or not. I’ve experienced this kind of traumatic event firsthand.

I’m aware of how dangerous and scary cars can be from my own personal experiences.

Last winter my significant other was in a car wreck that left one man with a broken sternum. Being in High School with young, inexperienced drivers that are given the responsibility of driving themselves along with multiple other people is full of risk on its own. Add to the inexperience of teen drivers and the slick winter weather, and the chance of an accident increases significantly.

The day started out ordinary Aaron and I would meet up in the cafeteria like any other morning to talk to our friends until the bell rang and we’d have to be separated. I had already known he wasn’t able to stay at school for much longer because he and the rest of the Reeths-Puffer High School Madrigals went caroling around town like they do every year so for most of the day he was out caroling while I was in school. I felt a bit lonely because Aaron wasn’t there to help me destress after my difficult classes.

Now it came to be the fifth hour, I hadn’t spoken to Aaron since the morning so I had no idea how everything was going. I wasn’t worried at all because he had done it the previous year. It was Friday, so in keeping with his Friday ritual Mr. Knapp did his “Funny Friday” segment where he plays a funny video at the start of the hour. Everyone was cracking up at the video until Mr. Knapp started playing a different one based on what we were learning at that time. About the time class reached the midway point, my day took a turn for the worst. I began to get texts from people from different schools, asking me if I had heard what happened yet. I was oblivious to what a car accident had any concern for me. One text that still remains hauntingly vivid was “Emileigh, call Aaron now!”. After getting about a dozen other messages to “text Aaron” and “call Aaron” I began to not so subtly spin into a panic. Although I got multiple texts I still wasn’t told what had happened yet. A friend of mine that was in the class with me got a text from her mother to tell her that there was an accident. She quickly looked back at me with the same panicked face plastered in front of me almost like I was looking into a mirror. She told me that one of the cars the Madrigals were in was hit as they were making a left turn into the Central Elementary School parking lot. At that moment the texts I was receiving began to make sense to me. The echo of my ringing phone filled my ears. It was a call from one of my friends that was directly behind the wreck. Although I had felt numb in fear from head to toe unsure if Aaron survived. Later we were informed over the announcements that everyone was alright and few people were left with a minor injury, luckily Aaron wasn’t injured at all. Knowing that he was alright was. The worst injury was one of the guys whose side was hit, Josh walked away with a broken sternum and bloody face. After a few hours in the Emergency room, everyone was released.

Driving in inconsistent weather conditions as a new independent driver is dangerous. After all of that happening and worrying that he had lost his life, I quickly learned that it’s so easy to forget what is important to us. We never imagine losing what or who is most valuable to us so suddenly.

That is why it is important to know the secrets and dangers of winter and summer driving.

Summer driving

Driving under high temperatures is a great stress to the driver and his companions because of stress and sweating. But it does not stop there; summer driving may involve far greater risks, such as the explosion of a fuel tank. German experts offer golden tips to avoid these risks and enjoy safe summer leadership.

Fuel tank explosion

High temperatures cause fuel to expand inside the fuel tank, which means that 50 liters of fuel are extended by an extra liter. Konstantin Hack, an expert at the European Automobile Club (ACE), warned that the fuel could leak in this case through the fuel tank hole, which in the worst case could ignite. To avoid this risk, the fuel tank should not be fully filled.

Loss of focus:

On hot days, the driver’s concentration is less noticeable; heat pressure raises the heart rate and leads to excessive sweating. This may affect driving behavior; it can become more aggressive under pressure, which is one of the causes of accidents, according to data from the Road Safety Board (DVR). In this regard, the indicators indicate that the rate of car accidents increases by up to 22% after temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Here the weather in the car should be equated with the use of air conditioning and occasional breaks.

Stop and its risks:

When stopping to take a rest, children and animals should not be left in the car; standing for a few minutes under the scorching sun is enough to raise the temperature inside the car to 70 degrees Celsius. The European Automobile Club is advised to call the police or rescue service if people who are stuck in a car are seen in such circumstances.

Road bumps

High temperatures cause damage and bumps on the road floor, which can pose serious risks, especially for motorcyclists. It is recommended to look at the road floor when driving in a very hot environment.

Aromatherapy Spray:

Sprays help to remove the smell of sweat and unpleasant odors, but they may cause many risks when taking the car; German expert Haeck warned that the potential to expand the mixture inside these packages, which could lead to the explosion and ignite the gas in them.

Brake

Brakes are more likely than other car parts during summer driving and high heat times, as the brake pads continue to rub with the internal disc. If the brakes are not excellent and originally qualities designed to withstand the maximum temperature, they will not work properly and perform correctly designed at such times. The higher the heat of the road, the more difficult the movement of the vehicle, especially the attempt to reduce the speed of the car by pressing the brakes. The brake pedal must be inspected and its ability to resist friction, in addition to ensuring the safety of the pedal position and not increase or decrease abnormally. Check the integrity of safety brake indicators and their operation, and be careful to hear strange sounds from the four tires such as squeak and friction high.

Winter driving

Don’t Distract with Sceneries

You don’t get distracted in any case by the beautiful nature. You need to keep your focus on the road. If you like something to see, stop your vehicle in some safe place to do so and enjoy nature or take pictures. In some places, you are not finding safe places to park your vehicle, so you may want to switch drivers and enjoy the same route again.

Corner on the mountains

Most accident happens due to the indiscipline behavior of the driver. So always stay in your lane. If you can’t see any coming car, assume that is an oncoming car. Use the horn as you turn the corner to let other drivers know you are coming. You need to be focused on the road when it turns into the mountains.

Uphill to downhill

During driving downhill, don’t use extra energy or speed. Use the same speed and change gears from upper to lower to drive downhill as you did uphill. Gravity will help you to keep the car slowed down from the hills. Always connect with the lower gear.

Keep fuel

In the hilly areas, most of the petrol pumps closed with dark sky. In most of the hilly areas, no petrol pump is present. So keep eye on fuel gauges and don’t bring yourself in trouble. Fill the full fuel and enjoy the hilly trip.

Remember road sign

Most drivers underestimate the road sign and this is the most dangerous thing. In hilly areas, the road sign provides you with good communication for safe driving. So, be sure to observe the road sign and keep the presence of mind to react accordingly because as I said they are very useful to us for happy and safe driving.

Do it in icey and wet areas

Icey and wet roads are also very difficult roads at the time of hill station trips. Don’t ever let the engine in low revs. On icy roads, keep your car in high gear because the wheels spin fast. It will be a big mistake if you keep your car in a lower gear. Before going for the night trip in lower temperature areas, don’t forget to start the engine for ten minutes.

Don’t Drink and Drive

It is very necessary also for plain roads. The drink will affect the driving of every trained person. So, don’t be over-confident to drive in a hill station with a dead drink. As a good citizen, it will be advisable to avoid drinking during and before driving.

Carry food and medicines

The most important thing during the long drive is hunger and you don’t find any stall or shop at the roadside easily. So, always carry food during the hill station trips. The second most important thing after food is medicine. Although medicine is not required without any addressing. But for safety, it is also the most important thing to carry during driving to hill areas.

Teenagers should be encouraged that driving is a task that is unpredictable and demanding. Parents know how much knowledge a youthful motorist has, and they realize precisely how badly arranged it is the point at which they should drive with their teen all over while they have their permit. Teenagers will in general be the reason to cause most auto collisions in grown-up’s eyes since they are not experienced at this point, and regularly neglect to focus on others out and about. The driver education programs must be improved to ensure that people truly have safer secured habits, while behind the wheel, and by having excellent understanding of the laws on the road.

The course provides teens with an exceptional understanding of better driving habits to maintain. For example, driving while under the influence of alcohol or any type of influence. Some time back my auntie was harmed in a mishap because of a negative behavior pattern: the driver was under the influence. Driving while impaired causes lots of things such as reduced concentration, decreased vision, lack of coordination and more, the list goes on and on. Hence, there should be more inspiration to have a designated driver, even if the person claims they are fine to drive. Drinking and driving is an issue that can be solved right away, it may destroy one’s own life, but others’ lives also.

The second reason that teens ought to go to a driver’s instruction course is to give the driver genuine encounters in the driver’s seat. Parents are generally uncertain of precisely what skills should be practiced in driving sessions with their teenagers. Instructing their youngster on safe driving skills is overwhelming to most parents. Guardians regularly don’t have the persistence to manage all the diverse driving strategies for young adults. It winds up disappointing, particularly when the teenager is figuring out how to drive on the roadway where most work zones are found. It is exceptionally befuddling and should be learned in the driving instruction course.

Another step to reduce the of driving related deaths is figuring out how to merge into traffic is another huge issue today, this is significant when driving on the interstate. Auto collisions are the main source of death for adolescents because of driver inexperience in the driver’s seat. Therefore, teenagers need assistance driving in all unique rush hour gridlock zones. And after completing the instruction course, the teenager ought to be increasingly optimistic about getting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

Finally, a few extra steps and recommendations to reduce driving deaths is monitoring weather conditions and driving accordingly to the weather, like if it’s raining or foggy, reduce speed when on the road. Also don’t rush if late for an event or work, leave at an appropriate time to avoid traffic, because when in a hurry, people start to become reckless. And last by not least, road rage engaging in road rage is not worth it pissing off the wrong person because the result may not be pleasing, unwanted gestures may lead to distractions on the road and lead up to an accident or worse death.

The steps I can take to become a better driver would keep my vehicle in great condition. Trying to maintain checkups for my tires, brakes, liquid levels, lights, and whatever else displayed in my owner’s manual. Another step is limiting all interruptions, for example, eating, drinking, and surfing through my music for that ideal playlist while driving in the driver’s seat. Youthful drivers should finish an extreme safe driving training course before being authorized to drive since it will give them experience, it shows them the laws of the street, and it expands more secure driving examples. Overall, the outcomes could wind up being negative if the driver doesn’t observe every one of the rules.

Stereotypes can be defined as “a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong” (Cambridge University Press, 2019). Subconsciously stereotypes are used liberally to help simplify our social worlds. Through using a preconceived or widely held idea about a person based off of one of their characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, gender) it is assumed that everyone who possess that characteristic will also possess the same traits. Stereotypes can be both negative and positive, but negative stereotypes are encountered much more frequently than positive ones. This essay will discuss a widespread stereotype around the world – that women are bad drivers or worse drivers compared to men.

If you google ‘are women bad drivers?’, there are a plethora of results ranging from news articles to research dissertations discussing how there seems to be a general idea that women are bad drivers, and subsequent evidence showing that women are not bad drivers and are in fact just as proficient at driving at men, if not better. The parameters used to define being a better driver range from number of tickets, accidents and insurance premiums. If there is so much information to the contrary, why is this idea still so widely accepted? The answer lies in how stereotypes originate and are perpetuated in society. Research shows that stereotypes start when people share information and then break down the information to make it easier to understand, this leads to the formation of cultural stereotypes from the oversimplified shared information. As the same information is passed down from generation to generation and spread through the media, it further solidifies itself in society as a belief about that particular social group (Martin, et al., 2014). This can be seen in context to the idea of women being bad drivers as well.

There are numerous comedians who use ‘bad women drivers’ in their jokes along with television shows that portray women as ditzy and too absent minded to be able to be good drivers. An example of this can be seen an episode of the cartoon show ‘The Jetsons’, in the episode ‘Jane’s Driving Lessons’, which aired in 1963. Even though the cartoon is set in 2063, rather than choose to portray women as equals to men, the episode chooses to depict the matriarch of the family, Jane, taking driving lessons, and depicts her as generally unable to learn how to drive (Novak, 2013). These instances in the media are meant to be in jest, but only serve to further solidify the negative beliefs they portray. Young children may watch the show and start to think where they previously had not thought, about women driving and being bad at it.

The stereotype is further perpetuated because women statistically do not drive as often as men. For example, in India women make up only eleven percent of the driving population (Dhawan & Ram, 2018), as opposed to the United States, where women make up forty nine percent of the driving population (United States Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, 2018). The majority of men who drive in India have been driving for much longer than their female counterparts, women will learn how to drive to increase their own mobility, but then do not end up driving very far, instead driving to run errands. Many women and their families prefer for them not to drive regularly and for long distances, as it can be seen as unsafe to be driving on the roads of large Indian cities. Female taxi, auto and bus drivers face ridicule and rash behavior on the road from their male counterparts, simply because they are female and also driving a vehicle (Dhawan & Ram, 2018). Many Indian households can only afford one car and preference is automatically given to the male member of the household to use it, in more wealthy households there are drivers or male members of the family volunteered to drive rather than the women (Dhawan & Ram, 2018). It was traditionally expected that the man of the house would go out and earn and the woman would stay at home and tend to the household, in this situation there is no need for women to know how to drive, this is a key aspect in the fewer number of women drivers. Learning how to drive and being in control of your own mobility has an immense contribution to the feeling of independence, it is because of this that an increasing number of both urban and rural women are choosing to learn how to drive (Azad Foundation, 2014).

Despite this prevailing thought process on women drivers, the statistics show that they are safer and more cautious on the road than men. An article published by the Times of India highlights these statistics. The article quotes Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg in saying, “The number of women drivers is just a fraction of the number of men who drive. But even proportionally, women are involved in far fewer accidents and incidents of rash driving than their male counterparts”. According to a report undertaken by the Delhi Police, women are participants in less than two percent of all fatal road accidents in Delhi, in 2011 there were twelve fatal accidents caused by women behind the wheel and seven hundred and twenty-four fatal accidents caused by men behind the wheel. Furthermore, the involvement of women in non-fatal accidents leading to injury was also less than those of men: women behind the wheel were involved in fifty-three accidents causing injury, and men behind the wheel were involved in two hundred and twenty-four. The article goes on to state how the findings of the report go against the general perception in society that due to women being bad drivers they are involved in or are the cause of more accidents. So, women continue to break the age-old stereotype of their driving ability with statistics, showing that they are actually much more careful behind the wheel than men.

Despite strong evidence and research to the contrary, women continue to be stereotyped as bad drivers. Unsafe road conditions, road harassment and traditional social mindsets contribute to fewer women wanting to drive. Despite there being fewer women drivers, or maybe because of it, it seems as though their every move while driving is more heavily analyzed than those of their male counterparts. All of these factors serve to contribute to a vicious cycle of women disliking to drive and therefore driving less. Despite these factors, in recent years the number of women choosing to drive has gone up, and with each generation more and more women are choosing to be at the helm of their own mobility and independence and learning how to drive.

References

1. Azad Foundation, 2014. Women On Wheels. [Online]. Available at: http://azadfoundation.com/our-programmes/women-on-wheels/ [Accessed 6 October 2019].
2. Basu, I., 2011. Women Are Safter Drivers, Says Delhi Police Study. [Online]. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Women-are-safer-drivers-says-Delhi-Police-study/articleshow/10383186.cms [Accessed 7 October 2019].
3. Cambridge University Press, 2019. Cambridge Dictionary. [Online]. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/stereotype [Accessed 4 October 2019].
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5. Martin, D. et al., 2014. The Spontaneous Formation of Stereotypes Via Cumulative Cultural Evolution. Psychological Science, 22 July, 25(9), p. 1777–1786.
6. McLeod, S., 2015. Stereotypes. [Online]. Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/katz-braly.html [Accessed 4 October 2019].
7. Novak, M., 2013. Jane Jetson and the Origins of the ‘Women Are Bad Drivers’ Joke. [Online] Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/jane-jetson-and-the-origins-of-the-women-are-bad-drivers-joke-17672597/ [Accessed 6 October 2019].
8. United States Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, 2018. Licensed Drivers by Age and Sex (In Thousands). [Online]. Available at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar7.htm [Accessed 4 October 2019].

Aggressive or violent behavior stemming from a driver’s uncontrolled anger at the actions of another driver. This behavior is portrayed in sudden acceleration and braking, deliberate blocking or preventing someone from merging into a lane, excessive hooting, unnecessary flashing of car lights, and yelling of blasphemous profanities. I have not yet mentioned the agitation or trauma that the other driver or passengers may feel when the incident occurs or after it. All these behaviors are associated with road rage. This rage may lead to the aggressive driver physically assaulting the other driver. In the rage state the driver may lose all sight of safety and cause an accident.

I recently saw an example of this behavior while watching a video. The screaming of a child was evidently heard in the video, and by the sound of it the child was shaken up by what was happening, yet the man continued to bang on windows and act in a rage state. I am disheartened and despondent at how this man consciously ignores the child’s pleading scream for civility. In this scenario he portrays selfishness, and seems to have forgotten that this world belongs not only to him, but to everyone. This incident was impactful, and helped me realize that our conscience is the measure or the honesty of our selfishness. Therefore, we should listen to it carefully. This is something this man fails to do.

Do not think that this video is of an incident that occurred years back and may be disregarded. This took place at the end of November last year (2018). In the same year, there were incidents of violence in taxis which led to the Taxi Association hiring private security guards to escort its members. They were a result of road rage, and disagreements amongst the taxi drivers. This resulted in several deaths and injuries of both Taxi Association members and passengers.

I know for a fact that I do not want to live in fear that someday I may be injured or even killed in a road rage incident that could have been avoided. Even going on about my life knowing that when going home I may not use the R61 route between Mthatha and Libode because somehow you may end up being part of the taxi violence that you would have preferred not to be associated with. During these violent times I was prohibited from taking a taxi, therefore somehow people’s freedom of movement was violated may I say.

In continuing, I would like to advice you, as the future drivers, that when you do start driving or drive with your parents get into the car and drive thinking about the mothers that lost their sons, and the wives that lost their husbands. If you don’t have a son or husband to think about, think about yourself. Is it worth losing a license over not allowing someone into the lane? Are you prepared to receive a lawsuit or spend a night in jail, because you were unable to keep your profanities to yourself?

So, in conclusion I would like to advise everyone not to be quick to correct the mistakes of others when on the road. Yes, anticipation is key when on the road, but you may not be the judge of their actions. If need be, adjust driving style. Do not drive fatigued. Find methods to regain your composure if you have a shortish temper, and while driving think of Master drive’s slogan – ‘Drive nice it is contagious’. Lastly, when in the car remember that the life of other drivers and passengers is in your hands, and keep in mind that a driver’s license is a privilege that could be taken away at any time.

With over 31 million registered people on the road across all of America over the age of 64, traffic collisions with these drivers are inevitable (McGee 1). With the fastest growing group of the nation’s population, the issue of whether a driving license should be withdrawn and in what circumstances will only become more pressing. At some point, there must be a system of precautions established in order to help the elderly or remove them from the road for good.

In 1992, George Russell Weller, who is 90, rammed his car through a marketplace, killed nearly a dozen people, wounded more than 60 people and sparked a heated discussion about potentially deadly elderly drivers (Tresniowski 1). Weller is arranged to be tried on 10 vehicle homicide charges. Weller pled not guilty, A christian grandfather with an outstanding driving history, claimed he had mistaken the brake and gas pedal (Tresniowski 1). A growing problem draws attention to the devastation it caused: dangerous elderly drivers. Among drivers 65 and older, accident rates in the U.S. have skyrocketed higher than any other group. The number of deaths involving elderly drivers increased by 14 percent between 1990 and 1997 (Tresniowski 1).

In 2018, an elderly driver Reportedly made a U-turn on the highway and for several miles went the wrong way down the north side before destroying two cars (Matheson). State police said Foxborough’s 84-year-old Arnold Reda was driving a Toyota Camry north on I-495 when he reportedly turned back near Exit 13 in Mansfield and started driving south on the northbound lanes, striking a four-person Mercedes-Benz GL450 and a two-person Lincoln Town Car just north of Exit 9. At the crash site, Reda was pronounced dead. Five of the six passengers in the other two vehicles were taken to non-life-threatening hospitals with injuries (Matheson).

With these two major vehicle accidents in mind, what is the general cause of these elderly drivers such poor decision making? A reoccurring opinion among analysts is that older residents are more likely to have eye problems, sluggish reflexes, and/or poor hearing, rendering them more susceptible to mistakes when driving a motor vehicle (DiLascio). One solution that might help prevent the rate of vehicle accidents is receiving an assessment from a professional. An occupational therapist or licensed driver rehab expert can give a thorough assessment of the driving ability and suggest vehicle adjustments or techniques to keep whoever on the road if necessary (Segal). A professional evaluation may also help families to convince their elderly loved ones to retire from driving all together.

Sadly, aging is something that no one can stop, but when driving can be too hard, there are certain indicators that will help communicate when to hang up the keys. This may include loss of the ability to hear, like not being able to hear emergency sirens or horns, difficulty with their ability to remember certain driving routes to get home, or just straight up missing the turns or exits (Segal). Other issues, such as reaction time or misjudging the distance between other drivers, including not reacting in enough time when there is a need to stop, confusing the brake and gas pedals with one another, or quick to lose composer when in a high traffic situation (Segal).

The fact of the matter is that senior drivers, including teenagers, have the highest crash rate among all ages. It is very reasonable to assume, with all the flaws of aging, that it is the sole cause of such bad driving. According to scientist Alexander Pollatsek, this might not always be the case. The behavioral scientist from Massachusetts University (Wray 1), along with other associates, has been working on an algorithm to monitor and analyze the area’s elderly citizens driving habits, including the way they visualize the regions around them. Pollatsek’s information he found on the subject, strongly suggests that the mistakes the drivers made, may have been learned through a force of habit and can very well be corrected (Wray 1).

Pollatsek and other colleagues intensively observed the way the drivers viewed the area around them when approaching potentially threatening intersections. However, what Pollastek found was not accounted upon. The younger drivers spent more time surveying the locations around them than the elderly did. There had been no potential distractions, like walking bystanders or heavy traffic for that matter, to throw off the drivers in the test (Wray 2). Not to say that the elderly drivers did not survey the area at all, they just did not do as much as the younger group did, and not when they could have to avoid possible hazards. Pollastek states that in conclusion, the senior drivers’ inability to search for the incoming danger around them, was a primary cause in the crash rates among the age group (Wray 2).

So why do the elderly drivers have such a hard time when viewing the area around them? Research from the scientists’ state that their primary focus was geared more to what they could see directly in front of them (Wray 3). Not only did they soley concentrate on what was immediately ahead, but they failed to track the zones from side to side all together. The researchers assume that with old age, the senior drivers tend to only centralize on not hitting anything or anyone.

These severe driving habits among the elderly were attempted to be broken. The scientist set up four cameras amid the drivers to record their exact movements as they traveled from their home throughout the week. One camera was set up to see the point of view of the driver. The remaining three cameras were placed in various positions all over the vehicle (Wray 3). After the initial recording, all of the drivers took part in assorted schooling sessions. A portion of the elderly took time to learn different driving techniques in a simulation, while the others were taught and corrected based on the video survalence they had received previously. Later on, all senior drivers ended up receiving a final assessment through driving one last time (Wray 3).

The outcome of the tests were very substantial. The elderly made astonishing improvements to their driving compared to before the initial training. The tests, however, were not created to refine the motor skills of the senior citizens, but to try and fix incorrect driving habits they might have learned previously (Wray 3). This strongly suggests that the misuse of the way they viewed the area before them was not due to the effects of aging, but due to an inaccurate way of learning.

Whether the vehicular accidents from the elderly were caused from the effects of aging, or simply just bad driving habits, elderly driving has been proven to be a very reoccuring issue throughout the United States for many years now. There are steps that need to be taken in order to help solve the topic. Senior citizens need to be evaluated of their cognitive functions, such as reaction time, and their ability to properly visualize the road. They also need to be assessed on their ability to drive entirely.Without a way of properly addressing the problem as a whole, it will never get any better. In fact, the issue may even worsen.

Impatience teaches disregard for others, and this can be found in a simple act such as walking or carpooling to the local school. Recently, an article on the cover of the Los Angeles Times pictured people, coincidentally including my aunt and two baby cousins in tow, in a crosswalk at Gould Avenue and Knight Way. My sister and brother walk the same route in order to minimize congestion and chaos at drop off. At any given moment, an irritated or preoccupied driver might rush through this intersection with potential tragic consequences. This is a family safety concern, but it also is a larger community and even national issue of safety. Children have the right to feel safe to and from school. What message is being taught by impatient drivers to their own children, the passengers in their cars, and pedestrians on their way to school? Reckless and inconsiderate drivers demonstrate to children that safety is not the top priority.

Children have the right to feel safe traveling to and from school. Truly, La Canada is generalized as extremely safe and protected by all. However, we need to address this problem before an accident occurs. “Every year in the United States, at least 100 children are killed in collisions while walking to or from school.”(Timothy J Ryan and Associates) This catastrophic number of kids death per year is 100 too many. Luckily, there have been no reports of any injuries or accidents in PCY’s carpool yet. However, if parents continue to lack patience and exhibit bad driving manners, it will only be a matter of time before something awful happens.

Employees and volunteers should feel safe, respected, and appreciated. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For example, a mother in a rush is next up in line with one more walkway to cross until her vehicle is right in front of the school. There is a beautiful open space just the perfect size for her car. All of a sudden, the school crossing guard stops her lane of traffic in front of where she so desires to park, providing the space to another parent. Though this mom knows it is important to remain calm and collected, she unleashes her inner beast through honks, screams, curses, and sometimes a vicious slam on the brakes. Volunteer PTA members, who so generously offer their time, manage the car line and get to see this havoc of ruthless parents firsthand. Many have stopped volunteering due to fear when confronting the angry mother. Principal Carrie Hetzel describes, “They’re cursed at, they’re yelled at – it’s uncalled for… We can’t even keep crossing guards at our school anymore. They quit because parents are so rude and yell at them every day.”(Los Angeles Times) This immature behavior is embarrassing. Yes, it is understood that some parents may be rushing late to work, or stand fed up with slow going traffic, but the annoyance from these situations should not be taken out on the crossing guards doing their duty. Without a doubt, elementary school crossing guards should be praised by all, thanks to their valor and allegiance. School crossing guards so very bravely risk their lives for the safety of students, marching out into the middle of oncoming traffic with nothing to protect themselves but a red shield of faith that reads STOP. They valiantly guide helpless students and other pedestrians through and away from this warzone each and every day with a smile. Though they deserve the world for their selfless courage, they receive no salute. Instead, too many of them suffer mal ridicule and persecution from the parents.

Parents need to teach the importance of safety for their own children as well as others. Kids are like sponges. Everything children hear and observe is recorded in their curious brains and becomes part of their world. Parents’ ill behavior becomes the norm. This is exactly why parents need to set the tone and be good examples. For instance, the student in a backseat who watches mom or dad obnoxiously weave through the car line, cutting off all in their path, teaches that safety can be ignored as long as they are guaranteed first to the finish line. Certainly, through the eyes of a parent, no child is more valuable than their own. Therefore, parents will not have the same concerns for other children. It’s warming to know that this community is filled with families who look out and care for their own, but also disappointing that this carline situation delivers an, “every family for themselves” message. Perhaps impatient drivers teach that the first one to the finish line guarantees greater success. Perhaps they teach one should climb over anyone and everyone to get to the top. Perhaps, they teach their passengers that reckless actions have no consequence. Perhaps, instead, parents should teach the Golden Rule; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

In conclusion, the standoff at Knight Way and Gould is not just a traffic issue; this is personal and must be solved by each family recommitting to patience and goodwill to one another. Our traffic problem is a symptom of society’s loss of civility at every level, from PCY to the White House. Changing the traffic pattern is not enough. We need to be a community, not a rat race. We need to teach our children respect for others and we need to show appreciation for those who try and keep them safe.

Impatience teaches disregard for others, and this can be found in a simple act such as walking or carpooling to the local school. Recently, an article on the cover of the Los Angeles Times pictured people, coincidentally including my aunt and two baby cousins in tow, in a crosswalk at Gould Avenue and Knight Way. My sister and brother walk the same route in order to minimize congestion and chaos at drop off. At any given moment, an irritated or preoccupied driver might rush through this intersection with potential tragic consequences. This is a family safety concern, but it also is a larger community and even national issue of safety. Children have the right to feel safe to and from school. What message is being taught by impatient drivers to their own children, the passengers in their cars, and pedestrians on their way to school? Reckless and inconsiderate drivers demonstrate to children that safety is not the top priority.

Children have the right to feel safe traveling to and from school. Truly, La Canada is generalized as extremely safe and protected by all. However, we need to address this problem before an accident occurs. “Every year in the United States, at least 100 children are killed in collisions while walking to or from school.”(Timothy J Ryan and Associates) This catastrophic number of kids death per year is 100 too many. Luckily, there have been no reports of any injuries or accidents in PCY’s carpool yet. However, if parents continue to lack patience and exhibit bad driving manners, it will only be a matter of time before something awful happens.

Employees and volunteers should feel safe, respected, and appreciated. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For example, a mother in a rush is next up in line with one more walkway to cross until her vehicle is right in front of the school. There is a beautiful open space just the perfect size for her car. All of a sudden, the school crossing guard stops her lane of traffic in front of where she so desires to park, providing the space to another parent. Though this mom knows it is important to remain calm and collected, she unleashes her inner beast through honks, screams, curses, and sometimes a vicious slam on the brakes. Volunteer PTA members, who so generously offer their time, manage the car line and get to see this havoc of ruthless parents firsthand. Many have stopped volunteering due to fear when confronting the angry mother. Principal Carrie Hetzel describes, “They’re cursed at, they’re yelled at – it’s uncalled for… We can’t even keep crossing guards at our school anymore. They quit because parents are so rude and yell at them every day.”(Los Angeles Times) This immature behavior is embarrassing. Yes, it is understood that some parents may be rushing late to work, or stand fed up with slow going traffic, but the annoyance from these situations should not be taken out on the crossing guards doing their duty. Without a doubt, elementary school crossing guards should be praised by all, thanks to their valor and allegiance. School crossing guards so very bravely risk their lives for the safety of students, marching out into the middle of oncoming traffic with nothing to protect themselves but a red shield of faith that reads STOP. They valiantly guide helpless students and other pedestrians through and away from this warzone each and every day with a smile. Though they deserve the world for their selfless courage, they receive no salute. Instead, too many of them suffer mal ridicule and persecution from the parents.

Parents need to teach the importance of safety for their own children as well as others. Kids are like sponges. Everything children hear and observe is recorded in their curious brains and becomes part of their world. Parents’ ill behavior becomes the norm. This is exactly why parents need to set the tone and be good examples. For instance, the student in a backseat who watches mom or dad obnoxiously weave through the car line, cutting off all in their path, teaches that safety can be ignored as long as they are guaranteed first to the finish line. Certainly, through the eyes of a parent, no child is more valuable than their own. Therefore, parents will not have the same concerns for other children. It’s warming to know that this community is filled with families who look out and care for their own, but also disappointing that this carline situation delivers an, “every family for themselves” message. Perhaps impatient drivers teach that the first one to the finish line guarantees greater success. Perhaps they teach one should climb over anyone and everyone to get to the top. Perhaps, they teach their passengers that reckless actions have no consequence. Perhaps, instead, parents should teach the Golden Rule; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

In conclusion, the standoff at Knight Way and Gould is not just a traffic issue; this is personal and must be solved by each family recommitting to patience and goodwill to one another. Our traffic problem is a symptom of society’s loss of civility at every level, from PCY to the White House. Changing the traffic pattern is not enough. We need to be a community, not a rat race. We need to teach our children respect for others and we need to show appreciation for those who try and keep them safe.

Introduction

Safe driving is a critical aspect of responsible and conscientious behavior on the roads. Every year, countless lives are lost due to preventable accidents caused by reckless driving. By adopting safe driving practices, we can significantly reduce the number of road accidents and save lives. This informative essay will highlight the importance of safe driving, discuss common causes of accidents, and provide practical tips to promote safer driving habits.

The Importance of Safe Driving

Safe driving is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps protect the lives and well-being of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. By adhering to traffic laws and practicing safe driving behaviors, we can significantly minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Secondly, safe driving contributes to the overall efficiency and smooth functioning of traffic flow. When drivers are responsible and considerate, traffic congestion decreases, reducing frustration and saving valuable time for everyone on the road. Lastly, practicing safe driving habits can result in reduced insurance premiums and fewer legal complications, ensuring financial and legal peace of mind for drivers.

Common Causes of Accidents

To promote safe driving, it is crucial to understand the common causes of accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents. This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in any behavior that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Another common cause is speeding, which reduces the driver’s ability to react in a timely manner, increases stopping distance, and magnifies the severity of accidents. Impaired driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is also a significant contributor to accidents. Fatigue, aggressive driving behaviors (such as tailgating and road rage), and failure to follow traffic rules are additional factors that can lead to accidents on the road.

Practical Tips for Safe Driving

1. Stay focused and minimize distractions: Avoid using electronic devices, eating, or engaging in any other activities that take your attention away from the road.
2. Observe speed limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions.
3. Don’t drive under the influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Use alternative transportation options if you are unable to drive sober.
4. Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for ample reaction time in case of sudden stops or emergencies.
5. Use turn signals: Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians, allowing them to anticipate your actions.
6. Observe traffic laws: Respect traffic signals, stop signs, and other road regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
7. Check blind spots: Before changing lanes or making turns, check your blind spots to avoid collisions with vehicles or motorcycles that may not be visible in your mirrors.
8. Buckle up and secure passengers: Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seatbelts or are appropriately secured in child safety seats.
9. Avoid aggressive driving: Practice patience and avoid aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, excessive speeding, or engaging in confrontations with other drivers.
10. Be aware of weather conditions: Adjust your driving style to accommodate adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog, which can reduce visibility and affect road grip.

Conclusion

Safe driving is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and cooperation of all road users. By understanding the importance of safe driving, recognizing common causes of accidents, and implementing practical tips, we can contribute to a safer road environment. Remember, every decision made behind the wheel has the potential to save lives. Let us prioritize safe driving, protect ourselves and others, and work together to create a culture of responsible driving that ensures a safer future for all.