I learnt that speeding is one of the main causes of fatal road accidents, and these accidents can be easily avoided by driving at a slower and safer speed. The chance of an accident occurring quickly accumulates as the speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. The stopping distance increases as the speed increases, which means that it is more likely for vehicles travelling at a higher speed to crash, as the vehicle would not have been able to be stopped in time to avoid an accident.
One piece of advice I would pass on to young drivers above all is to drive slowly and safely. Driving at a lower speed not only gives you as the driver time to react and avoid accidents, but it also gives other drivers around you the time to react. This is really important because driving at the speed limit (or below, depending on road conditions) is not a difficult thing to do, however, it makes a huge difference when it comes to the safety of yourself as the driver, your passengers, other drivers on the road, and other passengers. Speeding is not worth the risk, and you should always drive at a safe speed.
When I start driving, I pledge to:
- Always stay alert and keep my eyes on the road
- Ensure that both myself and any passengers wear seatbelts
- Never drive at a speed higher than the speed limit
- Avoid distractions such as loud music and checking my phone while driving
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol
I picked these things to commit to because they can greatly decrease the chance of being in a car crash, and in the case of an accident, increase the chances of survival. It is important that when I drive, I drive safely on the road to protect myself and the others around me. I pledge to be a responsible and safe driver, abiding by the road rules at all times.
I will stick to these commitments by making sure that I am well rested before driving, to ensure that I stay alert on the road. I will make it a habit that the first thing I do when I get into the car is to put on my seatbelt, and if I have any passengers in my car, I will check that they have put on their seatbelts too. To ensure that I will not drive at a speed higher than the speed limit, I will keep an eye out for speed limit signs, and check my speedometer regularly to make sure that I am driving at the right speed. To avoid distractions, I will turn the volume of the music in the car down to a level where I can still hear the noises on the road, and put my phone on silent when driving. I will make sure to not drink any alcohol before driving, even after getting my official driver’s license. By committing to these actions, driving on the road will become much safer.
