Safety Essay

An essay on traffic safety written by a Fairfield high school senior, Jackie Holler, has been declared an area winner in the Illinois Editors Traffic Safety Seminar contest.

Jackie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Holler, 505 Windsor Lane, wrote on the subject, "Responsible Driving - Is It My Concern?"



Her essay was one of more than 700 entered in the Seminar's third annual traffic safety essay contest.

The essay must be published in a newspaper as a part of the contest rules.  A committee of University of Illinois professors will choose from the published essays ten $500 college scholarship winners, as well as 25 runners-up for special mention.

The awards will be presented at the 12th annual Illinois Editors Traffic Safety Seminar May 2 at the Ramada Inn in Peoria.

Following is Miss Holler's area winning essay:

Responsible Driving -- Is It My Concern?

Does it matter if 40,000 Americans are killed yearly?  Does it matter that 1,000,000 persons are injured at the same time?  It surely does! There are 2,000,000 young people obtaining license during this period while others are dying by using the privilege incorrectly.

Responsible driving can be pursued through organizations and through the individual himself.  Some schools have professional teachers to show students the correct driving habits which are safer than to have an amateur person imbed bad habits accidently in a person's mind.  Dual controlled cars give students more confidence. States are promoting safer driving by requiring a person to pass a course in driver's education before he can graduate from high school.  It is also necessary in order to acquire a license at the age of 16.  Certain insurance companies lower the rates for persons with this experience.

A good driver must know what he can do with a car and what he can't do.  A car kept in perfect condition raises the probability of fewer accidents.  To be responsible a person must be alert and skillful knowing how to share the road intelligently with others, knowing how to handle a car correctly, knowing not to "stop on a dime," or how to "beat a red light."  He doesn't control traffic with a horn.  Good habits such as using signals when stopping or turning soon happen without thinking  To dim lights and obey all traffic regulations are not only wise but show courtesy.  A motorist cannot drive safely when tired and angry or under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs.  Practicing good judgement is the key to handling a car.

Before driving one must be acquainted with the rules of the road. Reliability goes hand in hand with the familiarity of road-way markings and traffic control signs. These laws are made to protect the lives and property of people.  Each state has its own rules but they all agree on the shapes of traffic signs, and color and positions of traffic lights.  All states also have the same lane markings.  This knowledge is needed to promote responsible driving.

There are certain rules to follow when driving under certain conditions.  While in a city be sure to drive within the legal speed limit.  Always be prepared to stop instantly for pedestrians, bicycle riders, and children.  Double parked cars and other vehicles which let off passengers are hazardous.  Drive slowly in the country since most of the road are unpaved, narrow, and have sharp curves.  Be alert for stray animals or slow moving farm machinery.  Superhighways are made for continuous fast driving.  Stop frequently to break the monotony.  Knowing how to control a skid is important.  Don't step on the brakes, shift gears, or take the foot off the accelerator abruptly but turn in the direction of the skid.  Remember to drive appropriately in each situation.

Driving correctly is being safe, being safe is knowing responsibility.  Am I concerned? Yes!!