While I don’t know how many accidents there have been in the state of Tennessee this year, it’s my personal opinion based on my experience that this state has some of the most careless drivers in the country. Almost every week as I journey to work in Nashville, there is stalled traffic caused by something. Too often that something is an accident. I’ve seen and read of too many vehicles in pieces and too many souls bruised or lost on the scene.

I have had the misfortune of being in two car accidents in the last three years. In my first one, I was on the road to my job when a semi truck driver hit me on the driver’s side, attempting to merge into my lane. My body and head went from one side to the other like a bobble head. With God and the care of a chiropractor, I was able to heal from the pain I experienced.

The second accident was this year while I was working an Amazon route. I had the right of way as I was driving my Amazon van into an intersection. A driver running a red light crashed into me on the driver’s side. The impact pushed me forward, knocking my glasses clean off my face.

It is because of those accidents and the ones I see and learn about every week that I feel we all need a friendly reminder of how to act on the roads.

• Keep that phone out of your hand. Purchase a phone mount if you don’t own one. There are a lot of videos I see on social media of people recording themselves behind the wheel while the car is in motion. Even if you are doing 5 mph in an area you’ve driven through a thousand times, there is still the possibility of the unexpected while you’re entertaining your many online followers. If you have to send a text, ask your phone to do that for you. If you must make a call you can ask your phone to call up whomever you must.
• Watch all the street signs.
• Make sure you have your wallet on you with your drivers license before getting in the car.
• Tipsy; buzzed; inebriated, whatever you want to call, do not get behind the wheel with alcohol in your system. One day that luck is going to run out.
• Watch for deer and any wildlife that will total your vehicle.
• Signal. Nobody can anticipate when you make a sudden merge into a lane without a warning.
• If you are going to ride a motorcycle, please wear something reflective on your clothing so other drivers can see you in the dark.
• The yellow traffic light means to slow down; not try to beat the red light before it hits.
• Don’t run the red light.
• Some traffic jams are attributed to people’s curiosity of what is going on. Unless you are going to help whomever is on the side of the road or in that wreck, please keep going. If you can’t lend a hand then say a prayer for those involved. Then, allow the police; ambulances; and road side assistance to do their jobs.
• Consider the weather. There is nothing wrong with driving a little below the speed limit if the roads are slick with rain and ice. If the driver behind you wants be mad at you not doing the speed limit, let them be mad. You’re on the same roads facing the same elements you cannot control.
• Eyes and ears open for police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Kindly move out of their way so they can quick reach whoever needs to be assisted.
• Slow it down, pay attention, and be gracious to those working on the road. From construction workers drilling into the ground to deliver workers who must park the side to drop packages. They are simply doing their job.
• Stop speeding in neighborhoods. As a delivery driver, I am reminded by my bosses to be considerate of children who will be playing outside near the streets and on the streets, especially during summertime when school is out. How would you feel if someone hit your child?
• Don’t tailgate. If the driver in front of you suddenly steps on their brakes and you are close to their backside, chances are you are going to collide with your bumper.
• Seatbelts on. I don’t care if they make you uncomfortable, it’s going to save your life and save you some injury in a possible collision.

To all drivers across the world, may God keep you safe on the road. Do your part, because behind the wheel you have the ability to make sure other drivers get to their destination safely or not at all.

God Bless!

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