Driving is a privilege; we all should know that. People drive to go to work, to go to school, to eat, shop, etc. Driving also has laws, which should obviously be followed. But, many people don’t really take driving laws seriously. People have sped over the limit on the freeway, texted while driving, driving under the influence, and driving with no seat belts buckled on are always common with drivers. Why?

“If someone was speeding on the freeway, I would tell them to slow down,” said Lindsey Villarreal, 8th grader. Speeding above the limit is illegal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding can cause loss of control of a vehicle, increases severity of serious injuries, lowers stopping distance, and causes psychological and economic implications from a speed-related injury. Yet, because of negligence on the road, more than 9,262 people died in 2014 because of speed-related collisions.

Along with speeding, not buckling your seat belts is illegal and can give you a ticket. Unless you are exempt from wearing one, even a simple task like buckling your own seat belt is required when you are behind the wheel. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 21,022 people perished and 2.3 million were injured because drivers and their passengers were unrestrained. 

Texting while driving is also another main cause of collision-related injuries and deaths. Here in San Antonio and the surrounding neighborhoods and counties, using your phones whilst driving is prohibited to prevent any kind of damage. However, if you get caught it can give you a $200-300 fine.  

Distracted driving, driving under the influence, and other issues, nevertheless, can be prevented if drivers stay focused on the road, know the laws of the road, be a positive example of a good driver, and always be courteous to other drivers on the road. Unless you want your license revoked or lose your life from a collision, driving while following the laws would be a much more preferable choice.