As a society, we learn about the importance of safe driving at an early age – long before we even get behind the wheel. But, that doesn’t stop over 2 million car accidents from happening in the United States each year, according to the CDC.
It’s important that the public stay educated on safe driving tips. We often go through driver’s training as teenagers, and don’t stay up to speed on educating ourselves further after that.
So, what can you do to get involved with educating the public on safe driving? If you have a passion for safety on the road and you want to do your part to bring down the number of accidents each year, there are plenty of ways to make your voice heard. Let’s cover a few of them that will help you get started. You never know how a few simple safety tips can help. The advice you share might end up saving lives.
1. Reach a Wide Audience
The best way to get a lot of information to a lot of people quickly is to use technology to your advantage. You have to think like a marketing expert if you want to get your message to the masses. Nowadays, one of the best ways to share information is to create a podcast – and it’s easier than you might think. Use the following steps to get started:
- Develop your idea;
- Format your podcast;
- Select the right equipment;
- Start recording;
- Promote your podcast.
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. A quality microphone and software system will make it easy to record and edit smoothly, so you can publish your podcasts quickly. If you put time and effort into it, you can even end up making money from your cast, so you can reach a wider audience and spread more awareness. When you’re developing your idea, consider exactly what you want to talk about. Do you want to focus on statistics? Maybe you want to take a more casual approach and discuss safe driving tips, or focus on family driving and keeping kids safe in the car. Once you find your niche, you’ll have an easier time gaining an audience.
2. Promoting Anti-Distraction Devices
Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Unfortunately, in a world filled with digital devices, people tend to be more distracted behind the wheel than ever. Many states have laws in place that are designed to keep people from using cell phones and other devices while driving. But, you can do your part to keep distractions at bay by handing out public materials.
The National Safety Council has free printable materials you can use to give people tips on safe driving, and how to eliminate distractions. You can use these materials during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, or any time you want to encourage people to put down their phones and focus on the road. Using screens while driving isn’t only distracting, but excessive screen time, in general, can have long-term effects on the brain, impacting impulse control and increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.
3. Creating Safe Driving Plans
In addition to informing people how to avoid distractions while driving, you can make things clearer and even more informative by creating safe driving plans for individuals. Practicing safe driving can significantly reduce the risk of a driving accident, ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. You can start with your family and friends, sharing risk factors that can contribute to accidents and letting them know how to be as safe as possible on the road, including tips like:
- Driving attentively;
- Driving defensively;
- Buckling up;
- Sharing the road;
- Keeping vehicles well-maintained.
You don’t have to have a major platform to share this kind of information with the public. It’s okay to start small with your social circle, then expand using your social media outlets, or speaking to local news stations. You might end up reaching just the right person even if you stay small and local with your efforts.
4. Teaching Passenger Safety
No matter how you decide to share safe driving tips with the public, make sure you don’t ignore passenger safety. We often think about what drivers can do to stay safe behind the wheel. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have responsibilities as a passenger.
If you want to be a good passenger, you should wear your seatbelt, offer to navigate and encourage and support the driver. It’s also important to never engage in behavior that distracts the driver. Essentially, you’re serving as a co-pilot when you’re in the passenger’s seat, the same way someone would in the cockpit of a plane. It’s a role every passenger should take seriously, rather than allowing themselves to get distracted on the road.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get involved with educating the public on safe driving. Use the platforms available to you, don’t be afraid to “go big” with your efforts, and continue your own education on safe driving so you can pass your knowledge on to others.