Car Safety: Safeguarding Pedestrians and New Drivers 

An exploration into essential safety practices that contribute to a safer environment on the roads. 

By: Haley Padilla and Anel Lua

The cardinal aspect of driving is often overlooked and forgotten by many drivers, new and old—the fact that driving is a privilege. Understanding how to remain safe behind the wheel and how to be observant of passing pedestrians is a skill that all must master to retain the liberty of driving.

By not doing so, one may endanger themself and those around them, whether they are within the vehicle or outside, and receive a penalty on one’s license. 

With some Rangers entering the new age of driving and crossing the roads more often, it is of high importance to know how to maneuver oneself on the road, to not neglect the privilege, and to learn how to resist disturbance.

Prioritizing safety procedures and excelling in the art of driving directly impacts economical issues, the preservation of human life, and the psychological well-being of a person.

Traffic accidents customarily have significant economic consequences such as healthcare costs, insurance claims, and damage to one’s mental welfare. Upon being hospitalized, should the wreck be drastic enough, the healthcare industry’s high expenses can bleed the everyday person’s bank accounts.

On average, there are at least 250,000 accidents in which injuries occur in California alone every year. 20% of these accidents are due to speeding. Around 24% of pedestrians are killed in car collisions annually, victims of anothers’ poor driving and neglect. 

An unavoidable obstacle when operating vehicles is the taunting distraction of one’s phone. 

The smartphone is a common time-killer for teenagers and adults alike, however teenagers are statistically more likely to develop an addiction.

The more they go on social media, the more their behavior is being reinforced by the abundance of dopamine produced amidst cellphone usage. This dependency on a phone for a thrill can provoke drivers to reach for their device while driving.

Physically holding the device isn’t the sole issue—CarPlay and thunderous music can pose as interruptions, especially to heedless teenagers.

Deafening melodies can sway the attention that the road demands away, thus contributing to a treacherous driving environment for the motorists and pedestrians. A further secure setting is a quality on the roadways is what we, as a community, want.

By training oneself to detach from the intense and unhealthy attachment to one’s phone, you can not only be more focused on the road, but you can also diminish your anxiety and stress levels and hone your critical and creative thinking. 

Redwood High School and its educators wish to promote cautious driving practices to minimize the impairment of others.

English 2 Honors and AP Lit teacher Mrs. Nicole Vieira advises new drivers and pedestrians walking to, “[Make sure to] keep your phones in your backpacks or your purses. Be super aware of the people around you, specifically young drivers.”

Mrs. Vieira adds, “A lot of accidents can be avoided if you are paying attention to what you’re doing.”

Remain observant of your surroundings, and stay safe Rangers.

“Driving is a privilege. Don’t forget that,” says Spanish 1 teacher Señor David Sandoval. “[As for pedestrians], we have a lot of high school kids learning to drive. Look both ways before you cross.”

Writing done by Haley Padilla, ‘28. Interviews acquired by Anel Lua, ‘27.

Tags: car safety, clubs & lifestyles, driving, Redwood, redwood driving, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, rhs, rhs driving, visalia ca